Efforts underway for Shwebo Pawsan rice to get GI designation
2021 November 01
MYANMAR’S Shwebo Pawsan Farming, Milling and Trading Association (Central) is exerting efforts for Shwebo Pawsan (high quality rice variety) to get a Geographical Indication (GI) designation.
“To promote the interests of the farmers, traders and millers in Shwebo Pawsan cultivation areas, they are urged to join membership. The concerted efforts are required to achieve GI,” said a member.
The association is encouraging the farmers, millers and traders in Shwebo, Wetlet, KhinU, YeU, Taze, Dabayin and Kanbalu townships of Sagaing Region to become members of Myanmar’s Shwebo Pawsan Farming, Milling and Trading Association (Central). The membership registration fee for the farmers is set at K20,000 and annual membership fee is K10,000 for 2022.
In order to acquire copyright for Shwebo Pawsan, the related organizations and the farmers are working together to meet quality and GI criteria. Pawsan rice was previously grown in the Ayeyawady delta region. Now, it is cultivated across the country. There are about 1.3 million acres of Pawsan rice crop every year. Pawsan varieties vary on different regions and harvest season.
A GI is a specific intellectual property right that designates a product from a specific region and whose characteristics result in both the natural conditions of its origin and the expertise oflocal producers.