Patna: The Jardalu variety of mango, Katarni variety of paddy and Magahi paan, have been given the geographical indication (GI) tag.

"All these three products now enjoy GI tag and the same has also been published in the geographical indication journal of the Government of India," state agriculture minister Prem Kumar said on Monday.

The GI tag is given to a product that attains its uniqueness or reputation because of its place of origin. An application needs to be filed in the office of the controller general of patents, designs and trademarks.

In case of Jardalu mango, the minister said under the geographical indication (registration and protection) rules, 2002, the Government of India's geographical indications journal on November 28 gave the GI tag to the Jardalu producer union of Mahesi village under Sultanganj block of Bhagalpur district.

The journal says the Jardalu mango is a unique product of Bhagalpur.

Sources in agriculture department said one Ali Khan Bahadur had first planted the Jardalu mango tree in the region. This variety of mango is light yellow in colour and has a special fragrance.

For Katarni paddy, the journal had registered the paddy growers' union of Jagdishpur village in Bhagalpur district. The Katarni strand of the paddy is known for its long and thin grain and fragrance.

In case of Magahi paan, the GI tag has been given to the Magahi Betel Growers' Welfare Union of Deori village in Nawada district. Nawada district has been a traditional producer of the Magahi strand of betel leaf. Magahi betel is also grown in Aurangabad and Gaya districts.

The Magahi betel leaves are known for their softness and special taste. It is very popular across the state, particularly among paan connoisseurs of Patna.

Attributing the achievement to the hard work of Bihar farmers, the agriculture minister said it was a matter of pride that three products of Bihar now carry GI tags. He said efforts would be made to get GI tag for Shahi litchi and makhana (gorgon nut) also.