• India’s fruit export sector is experiencing a significant transformation, with Geographical Indication (GI) tags playing a crucial role in penetrating Western markets. 

• Indian agricultural products are reaching new international destinations, boosting farmer incomes and strengthening India’s global agri-trade presence.

• Earlier this month, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry highlighted that there has been a growth of 47.3 per cent in the volume of exports of fruits and vegetables between the period 2019-20 to 2023-24.

Growth in India’s fruit exports

• India’s first shipment of Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates reached Australia via sea, reducing transport costs and enabling large-scale exports.

• Bhagwa pomegranates have gained traction in US markets, with Maharashtra’s Solapur district leading the country’s production.

• Purandar Figs (Maharashtra) are gaining demand in Europe, with India exporting fig juice to Poland and Germany.

• Vazhakulam Pineapple (Kerala) was exported to Dubai and Sharjah, creating new export avenues for South Indian farmers.

• Dragon fruit (Kamalam) exports from Gujarat and West Bengal to London and Bahrain showcase India’s ability to cater to niche markets.

• Burmese grapes (Leteku) from Assam were shipped to Dubai, expanding the market for North Eastern produce.

• Jackfruit from Tripura and Raja Mircha (King Chilli) from Nagaland were exported to Germany and London, despite logistical challenges.

What is GI tag?

• A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is used for an agricultural, natural, or a manufactured product (handicraft and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin.

• The GI tag helps producers get the premium price of the product as no other producer can misuse the name to market similar goods.

• Any association of persons, producers, organisation or authority established by or under the law can apply. The applicant must represent the interests of the producers.

• Once a product gets this tag, any person or company cannot sell a similar item under that name. This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.

• Basmati rice, Darjeeling Tea, Chanderi Fabric, Mysore Silk, Kullu Shawl, Kangra Tea, Thanjavur Paintings, Allahabad Surkha, Farrukhabad Prints, Lucknow Zardozi, and Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving are among the registered GIs in India.

• The other benefits of GI registration include legal protection to that item, prevention against unauthorised use by others, and promoting exports.

• There is a proper process of registration of GI products which includes filing of application, preliminary scrutiny and examination, show cause notice, publication in the geographical indications journal, opposition to registration, and registration.

• It is a legal right under which the GI holder can prohibit others from using the same name.

• Geographical Indications Registry is a statutory organisation setup for the administration of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 which came into force on September 15, 2003.

• Under Articles 1(2) and 10 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, geographical indications are covered as an element of Intellectual Property Rights. 

• They are also covered under Articles 22 to 24 of the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, which was part of the agreements concluding the Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations.

Impact of export of GI-tagged products

• Higher Global Recognition: GI tags provide authenticity and premium value to India’s agricultural products.

• Boosting Farmer Incomes: Expanded exports lead to higher earnings and better global market access.

• Strengthening India’s Agri-Diplomacy: The success of fruit exports aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat, making India a key player in global food security.

Additional Read:

What is the role of APEDA?

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was established by the government under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act passed by Parliament in December 1985. The Act came into effect on February 13, 1986. APEDA has been entrusted with the responsibility of export promotion and development of 14 agricultural and processed food product groups listed in the Schedule to the APEDA Act.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)