Awareness campaigns for Shwebo Pawsan (high-grade rice variety) to get a Geographical Indication (GI) designation were conducted on 21 April in Aungchantha village and 25 April in Nyaungpintha village in the Shwebo district.
Shwebo Pawsan Farming, Milling and Trading Association (Central) has been raising awareness of GI.
Working agendas and cooperation, the interest of farmers, traders and millers when GI will be earned, the business operating system for quality management drawn up by the association and inviting new members were highlighted at the event.
Additionally, matters concerning SATAKE Seed Centre operated by the association were also explained.
Pedigree seed access plays a pivotal role in seeking GI. The association is also running a Seed Centre developed under the JICA’s project to produce pedigree and quality seeds of Pawsan variety in Wetlet Township, Shwebo district.
Shwebo Pawsan rice seed production (2020-2021) has been carried out on trial run from 22 December 2021.
In order to acquire copyright for Shwebo Pawsan, relevant organizations and farmers are cordially invited to work together in producing pedigree seeds and meeting GI criteria.
Pawsan rice crop was previously grown in Ayeyawady delta regions. Now, it is cultivated across the country. There are about 1.3 million acres of Pawsan rice crop every year.
Pawsan varieties vary in different regions and a harvest season. A GI is a specific intellectual property right that designates a product from one particular region and whose characteristics result in both the natural conditions of its origin and the expertise of local producers. — Lu Lay/GNLM
