A consignment of Dahanu Gholvad sapota, a Geographical Indication (GI) certified product from Maharashtra’s Palghar district, has been exported to the United Kingdom. This marks a significant stride in India’s export of GI-certified products. Sapota, also known as Chikoo, is cultivated in several Indian states including Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.
The Unique Appeal of Gholvad Sapota
Gholvad Sapota stands out for its sweet and distinctive flavor. The calcium-rich soil of Gholvad village in Palghar district, Maharashtra, contributes to the fruit’s unique taste. Besides Maharashtra, Karnataka is another leading producer of this fruit.
Maharashtra’s Array of GI-Certified Products
Maharashtra is renowned for other GI-certified products such as Alphonso Mango, Puneri Pagadi, Nashik Valley Wine, Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, and Warli Painting. These are all unique products with special characteristics originating from specific geographical regions within the state.
Understanding Geographical Indication (GI) Certification
Geographical Indication (GI) is a term used to signify goods possessing unique attributes related to their specific geographical origin. This classification applies to natural, agricultural, and manufactured goods. India’s Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999 aims to facilitate the registration and improved protection of geographical indications in the country.
The Act is overseen by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks, who also serves as the Registrar of Geographical Indications. The Geographical Indications Registry operates out of Chennai. A geographical indication registration remains valid for a decade and can be renewed intermittently for additional ten-year periods. The system is also part of the World Trade Organisation’s Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
Recent Examples of GI Certification
Several Indian goods recently earned GI certification, including Sohrai Khovar painting from Jharkhand, Telia Rumal from Telangana, Tirur Vetilla from Kerala, Dindigul Lock and Kandangi Saree from Tamil Nadu, and Odisha Rasagola.
APEDA’s Role in Exporting GI Products
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), a branch of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is tasked with promoting the export of GI products. The organization recently orchestrated the export of Shahi Litchi from Bihar to the UK.
After China, India ranks as the world’s second-largest producer of litchi. In a similar vein, a consignment of GI-certified Banganapalli & Survarnarekha mangoes sourced from farmers in Krishna and Chittor districts of Andhra Pradesh was shipped to South Korea, indicating a growing international interest in India’s diverse range of GI products.
