Judima

Judima, a homemade rice wine from the Dimasa tribe of Assam, is the first traditional drink in the entire Northeast to carry a geographical indication (GI).

How is Judima made?

Judima is made from sticky rice which is then mixed with various traditional herbs. The wine takes about a week to prepare and tastes distinctly sweet. This drink is a specialty of the Dimasa tribe in the Dima Hasao district of the state.

Which products are awarded GI Tag?

Products that are assigned a specific geographic origin are awarded GI tags. Not only does GI labeling help trace the origin of the product, it also helps to ensure the authenticity and marketability of local specialty foods.

How will getting a GI Tag help the product?

In addition to ensuring quality control mechanisms, the GI-Tag would allow those who have the right to  use it to prevent its abuse by  third parties whose product does not comply with the applicable standards.

What’s next for this product?

Now that Judima has the label, it is going to be branded and sold in unique bottles shaped like a pumpkin available locally. The tribe will  also try to have the product  prepared in a generally accepted hygienic way, taking into account taste, texture, etc.

Conclusion

Jorhat based Assam University of Agriculture’s agricultural research department had acted as an intermediary to obtain the tag for this locally produced drink. The division had previously received the GI tag on three products from Assam, which are Joha Rice (a type of flavored rice), Kaji Nemu (a type of lemon) and Chokuwa Rice.