Bhalia wheat gets GI tag

Bhalia, a long grain wheat variety rich in protein and grown under conserved soil moisture conditions in Bhal region of Gujarat has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a move which is likely to benefit more than 5,000 farmers in the State.

“Bhalia wheat, which is cultivated in Bhal region and its extension in Gujarat spread across from Ahmedabad to Bhavanagar and comprising part of Khambat has got the GI tag,” the Anand Agriculture University (AAU) Vice-Chancellor, Mr A.M. Sheikh, told PTI.

AAU was involved with the filing of GI application for Bhalia wheat and has been engaged in research on it, while the state-run Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation (GAIC) had filed the GI application.

“There is evidence that this wheat variety was cultivated in Bhal tract of Gujarat, before Independence. GAIC and Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Ahmedabad, will ensure the protection of rights of stakeholders in accordance to GI provisions now onwards,” Mr Sheikh said.

As per GI laws if anyone, apart from Bhal region farmers, are found selling this wheat then they could be put behind bars for one to two years and a fine of more than Rs 50,000 could be imposed as penalty, another AAU official said.

“This is likely to benefit over 5,000 farmers engaged in cultivation of this superior quality wheat in Bhal region of the State,” he said.

“The wheat is high in gluten content, a type of amino acid,” Mr R.H. Patel, a AAU scientist, said.

The GI registration of this high protein wheat variety will convey assurance of quality and distinctiveness — essentially attributed to the place of its origin in a defined geographical locality.

The wheat is locally known as Daudkhani wheat, with desirable qualities like high carotene, low water absorption, high protein content and is preferable for semolina (suji) for use in pasta goods such as macaroni, spaghetti, vermicelli, noodles, pizza, the GI document stated.

Bhalia wheat variety ‘Gujarat Wheat’ (GW)—1 is popular in the State due to its superior quality.

The farmers of Bhal region receive nearly 25 per cent premium price opposed to other wheat varieties and 40-50 per cent higher price than the bread wheat varieties, the document said.

The Bhal region and its extension include talukas such as Dhandhuka, Dholka, Bavala in Ahmedabad, Limbdi in Surendranagar, Vallabhipur in Bhavnagar, Tarapur in Anand, Matar in Kheda, Jambusar and Vagra in Bharuch, besides parts of Khambat.

In the Bhal region, the wheat cultivation under conserved soil moisture condition is unique in the world. The sowing is done under a typical condition, and after sowing neither irrigation is given nor rain is received though, wheat can grow successfully under such situation, Mr Patel said.

The Bhalia wheat is sown during end of October and first week of November, when the rain water gets drained out,” he said.

COMMENT NOW