Protection of the geographical indication “Binh Minh” for the Nam Roi pomelo

On 29 August 2013, the National Office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam (NOIP) issued Decision No. 2064/QD-SHTT on granting Certificate for registration of geographical indication No. 00036 for the Nam Roi pomelo “Binh Minh”. Vinh Long Provincial People’s Committee is the management organ of the geographical indication “Binh Minh” for the Nam Roi pomelo.

The Nam Roi pomelo, which is scientifically named as Citrus Grandis (or C. Decumana), has been a famous tasty fruit for so long and an export-potential key speciality of Vinh Long province. In 1969, in the Exhibition Fair of the Southern Region, the Nam Roi pomelos of Mr. Muoi Tuoc were awarded a medal. For 27 years later, the Nam Roi pomelo still won the first prize, which was the first medal for a special fruit of the Southwestern region. Since then, the Nam Roi pomelo has become well-known. In 1988, the Nationwide Exhibition Fair awarded the Nam Roi pomelo one more medal in the pride of Binh Minh district’s people.

Such reputation of the Nam Roi pomelo “Binh Minh” has been established from its particular quality that is quite different from other kinds of pomelos.

The reputation, nature and particular quality of the Nam Roi pomelo “Binh Minh” are resulted from soil conditions that are highly suitable for the growth and development of pomelon trees, especially Nam Roi pomelos. The Nam Roi pomelo growing region, Binh Minh, is located by the side of the three big rivers, i.e. Hau river, Tra Von river and Mang Thit river, giving rise to a type of specific microclimate and natural advantages. These very factors have made the soil in this region fertile, alluvium-rich and well-irrigated all year round, conditioning the tasty and stable quality of pomelos. Furthermore, the climate of Binh Minh district is also suitable for the growth and development periods of pomelo trees. The average temperature, the maximum temperature, the minimum temperature, the amplitude between months in a year, the average rainfall of the whole year are also very suitable for the development cycle of pomelo trees. Especially, in more rainy months corresponding to the period of accumulating sugar, vitamin C and juice, trees require much water, whereas in less rainy months falling in the periods of bearing flowers and and harvesting fruits, trees then require less water to stimulate the blossoming of flowers and retain the maximum content of nutrients in pomelos.

Apart from the existing specificities in natural conditions, nature, quality of the Nam Roi pomelo, specialized cultivating techniques and growing habits of people in this region, from selecting varieties, selecting growing time, caring, treatment of blossoming, harvesting,..., have brought about such reputation and quality of the Nam Roi pomelo “Binh Minh”.

 
The geographical area includes the communes My Hoa, My Thuan, Dong Binh, Dong Thanh, Dong Thach, Thuan An and the town Cai Von of Binh Minh district, Vinh Long province.

(Pham & Associates)