Bihu dancers dressed in muga mekhela chadars

Guwahati, Nov. 12: The journey might not be silky smooth, but Assam?s famous muga silk is geared to go the distance in its quest for a patent.

The Tarun Gogoi government has already begun preparing technical notes ? called ?geographical indications? ? in a bid to earn patent protection for what is the state?s most popular export product after tea.

Geographical indications are climatic or production characteristics unique to a geographical location where agricultural, natural or manufactured goods having special qualities originate.

The Assam Science, Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC), which has a patent information centre, has undertaken the task of compiling all the information necessary to apply for registration of muga silk as a product worthy of legal protection within the country and in other World Trade Organisation (WTO)-affiliated nations.

?We are consulting the sericulture department and experts in the field to prepare the geographical indications. It is a painstaking process, entailing gathering information on every aspect of muga silk,? ASTEC director A.K. Baruwa said.

An integral part of Assamese culture and traditions, muga is popular for its natural golden colour, glossy texture and durability. It is obtained from the multivoltine silkworm (antheraeaassamensis).

Baruwa said a patent for muga had become imperative because of increasing trade competition worldwide. ?The process is a long one, but we have to go for it. I am sure nobody would like to see muga becoming a western property one fine morning.?

The official said the benefits of registration of geographical indications would prevent unauthorised use of muga.

India, as a member of the WTO, enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act in 1999. It came into force on September 15, 2003. The legislation is administered by the controller-general of patents, designs and trademarks. The Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai.

A senior official of the Central Silk Board said muga was vulnerable to trade malpractice primarily because it was ?a single species with a narrow production base and very few varieties?.

About 2 lakh families in Assam are engaged in making muga. The total annual production of all varieties of raw silk in the Northeast is about 8,77,000 kg with Assam alone accounting for 5,27,000 kg, followed by Manipur (187,000 kg) and Meghalaya (131,000 kg).