Konkan Hapus Mango
Hapus mango of Konkan, famous all over the world for its fragrance and sweet taste, is now embroiled in a new controversy. Claiming this mango, Gujarat has applied for GI tag (Geographical Indication) under the name Valsad Hapus. This step has increased the concern of common farmers and businessmen of Konkan.
Konkan Hapus got GI tag in 2018
Konkan Hapus is the only official geographical indication in the world for Hapus or Alphonso mango. Because of this GI tag, the farmers of Konkan get better recognition in the market, fair prices and a kind of security. This tag was released in the year 2018. However, earlier in 2022, Narayangaon Krishi Vigyan Kendra had also applied for GI tag under the name Hapus Mango, on which there was a lot of controversy.
Gandhinagar and Navsari University applied
Gandhinagar and Navsari University of Gujarat have applied for GI tag in the name of Valsad Hapus in 2023. The process of submitting documents on this application is going on and the first hearing has taken place on October 30. Farmers of Konkan said this will be a big shock for us. Dr. Vivek Bhide, President of Konkan Mango Producers and Sellers Association, has strongly opposed this claim of Gujarat. According to him, mangoes grown in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and other parts of Maharashtra are often sold as Konkan Hapus. QR code system was also introduced to stop this adulteration, but fraud continues.
Dr. Bhide says that if Valsad Hapus gets GI tag, the real Hapus producers of Konkan will suffer huge economic loss. He also made it clear that in future, if any other application is made with names like Shivane Hapus or Karnataka Hapus, the Sangh will strongly oppose that too.