Unjha cumin and Unjha fennel of Gujarat have received the prestigious GI tag. This is a major achievement under PM Modi’s ‘Local to Global’ vision. This will increase the brand value of these spices in the global market and farmers will get better prices.
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [भारत]July 14 (ANI): Taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Local to Global’, Gujarat has been steadily gaining global recognition for its traditional agricultural products under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Setting another milestone for the state’s agriculture sector, North Gujarat’s famous spice products, Unjha cumin and Unjha fennel, have been granted the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the GI Registry of the Government of India. This recognition gives both the products a unique geographical identity, thereby strengthening their brand value and increasing their presence in the global markets.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said, “In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Local to Global’, this GI tag is another step towards taking our products from villages to global markets. It is not just a government certification; it is a tribute to the dedication of our farmers, the quality of our agricultural produce, the trust of traders and the rich agricultural heritage of Unjha. This tag will provide both the products a unique identity in the global market, giving them As a unique brand, and will further enhance the global reputation of Gujarat’s agricultural produce.”
What is GI tag?
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is given to products that have specific quality, reputation or characteristics associated with a specific geographical area. Provided under the Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, the GI tag is an official certification of the authenticity and geographical origin of a product. It protects established quality standards, protects product identity, and plays an important role in preventing the sale of counterfeit products.
Farmers and local economy will get a boost
With the GI tag, Unjha Jeera and Unjha Saunf will be recognized as Certified Geographical Brands, improving their credibility in both the domestic and global markets. This recognition will improve their market value and strengthen export opportunities. According to experts, GI-tagged products can fetch 20 to 30 percent higher prices than normal products. This is expected to increase the income of farmers, and also provide a significant boost to the local agricultural economy.
Result of joint efforts of many institutions
GI tags are the result of coordinated efforts of multiple institutions working towards a common goal. This achievement has been made possible with the collaboration of Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Unjha, Government of India, Department of Horticulture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Gujarat, Sardarkrishnagar Dantiwada Agricultural University (SDAU), and Indian Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDII), Gujarat. It is a testament to the successful partnership between farmers, agricultural scientists, traders and government and educational institutions.
Commenting on the achievement, Dinesh Patel, Chairman, Unjha Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) said, “The GI tag is a historic milestone for the farmers of Unjha and the spice trade of the region. It will further strengthen the authenticity and market credibility of both the products, increase their demand and acceptance in global markets, ensure better prices for farmers, and create new opportunities for exports and value addition.”
Gujarat’s growing portfolio of agricultural products
Currently there are more than 400 products registered with the GI registry of the Government of India, including many famous agricultural products of Gujarat such as Gir Kesar Mango, Bhalia Wheat, Kachhi Kharek and Amalsadi Sapota (Sapota). Now, with Unjha cumin and Unjha fennel, Gujarat has further expanded its portfolio of GI-tagged agricultural products. This recognition will enhance the global competitiveness of Gujarat’s agricultural produce, as well as create more opportunities for value addition, better market access and higher exports, which will ultimately benefit the farmers of the state. (ANI)
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