Bhalia, a long grain wheat variety rich in protein and grown under conserved soil

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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," Anand Agriculture University (AAU) Vice Chancellor 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," 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 1-2 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," 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.