Madhya pradesh becomes first state to get gi tags for 12 horticulture products

Madhya Pradesh has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first state in India to secure Geographical Indication (GI) tags for 12 horticultural products simultaneously. The recognition highlights the state's rich agricultural heritage while opening new opportunities for farmers through premium pricing, stronger branding and expanded export potential.

The state government has also set an ambitious target of increasing the area under horticultural crops from 2.8 million hectares to 3 million hectares by 2030, with a focus on promoting high-value horticulture alongside conventional farming.

Twelve Horticultural Products Receive GI Recognition:

1. Kumbhraj Coriander (Guna) 
2. Barman Ghat Brinjal (Narsinghpur) 
3. Gajariya Mango (Betul) 
4. Red Chilli (Khargone) 
5. Khurasani Tamarind (Mandu) 
6. Green Peas (Jabalpur) 
7. Custard Apple (Seoni) 
8. Malwa Potato 
9. Malwa Garadu 
10. Narsinghpur Jaggery 
11. Jabalpur Water Chestnut 
12. Noorjahan Mango (Alirajpur) 

The state is also pursuing GI recognition for several other unique products, including Indori Jeeravan, Ratlam-Sailana Balam Cucumber, Chhatarpur Betel Leaf and Burhanpur Banana, among others.

State Aims to Expand Horticulture by 2030:

Madhya Pradesh government is promoting horticulture as a key driver of agricultural diversification and higher farm incomes. Along with horticulture, allied sectors such as livestock, fisheries and food processing are being encouraged to strengthen rural livelihoods. Under the state's long-term development plan, the horticulture area is expected to expand to 3 million hectares by 2030, providing farmers with better market opportunities, year-round income and greater value addition.

How GI Tags Benefit Farmers:

Agricultural experts believe GI certification offers several long-term advantages for growers by legally protecting the unique identity of region-specific products.

Key benefits include:

1. Stronger national and international brand recognition. 
2. Better market prices for farmers. 
3. Protection against counterfeit products. 
4. Improved export opportunities. 
5. Enhanced value and reputation of local agricultural produce. 

Kumbhraj Coriander Emerges as a Global Brand:

Kumbhraj coriander from Guna district has been cultivated for nearly six decades and is renowned for its rich aroma, superior flavour and high essential oil content. The district produces nearly 32,000 metric tonnes of coriander annually, accounting for an estimated 20–25% of India's total coriander production. The produce is already exported to several international markets.

Unique Regional Products Gain National Recognition:

1. Several of Madhya Pradesh's traditional horticultural products have earned their reputation because of the state's diverse climate, fertile soils and long-established cultivation practices.
2. Barman Ghat Brinjal is known for its distinctive taste, attributed to the sandy soils along the Narmada River. 
3. Betul Gajariya Mango is valued for its quality and processing potential. 
4. Khargone Red Chilli is a major spice crop with export demand in international markets. 
5. Mandu Khurasani Tamarind is recognised for its historical significance and unique botanical characteristics. 
6. Seoni Custard Apple is highly sought after for its large fruit size and superior taste. 

New Market Opportunities for Malwa and Mahakaushal Products:

The GI recognition is expected to significantly enhance the market value of products such as Malwa Potato, Malwa Garadu, Jabalpur Green Peas, Jabalpur Water Chestnut, Narsinghpur Jaggery and Alirajpur's Noorjahan Mango. Among them, the Noorjahan Mango stands out for its extraordinary size, with individual fruits weighing 3 to 3.5 kilograms, making it one of India's most distinctive mango varieties.

More Products Await GI Recognition:

1. Ujjain Tamarind 
2. Alirajpur Achari Mango 
3. Malwa White Onion 
4. Jhabua Dal Paniya 
5. Mandsaur Indigenous Cumin 
6. Burhanpur Jalebi 
7. Ashoknagar Khirni 

These initiatives aim to preserve regional agricultural heritage while creating new economic opportunities for local producers.

A Major Step towards Higher Farm Income:

According to the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, GI tagging is more than a geographical identity it is a powerful tool for enhancing product value, promoting branding, encouraging exports and increasing farmers' profitability. With continued investment in quality planting material, protected cultivation, micro-irrigation, food processing and value addition, the initiative is expected to strengthen rural livelihoods, improve farm incomes and position Madhya Pradesh as one of India's leading horticultural states.

FAQs:

1. What are Madhya Pradesh GI Tags?

Madhya Pradesh GI Tags are Geographical Indication certifications awarded to products that possess unique qualities linked to a specific region of the state.

2. How many horticultural products received GI Tags in Madhya Pradesh?

A total of 12 horticultural products received GI Tags simultaneously, making Madhya Pradesh the first Indian state to achieve this milestone.

3. How do GI Tags benefit farmers?

GI Tags help farmers receive premium prices, protect products from imitation, improve branding and increase export opportunities.

4. What is the horticulture target of Madhya Pradesh by 2030?

The state aims to increase the horticulture cultivation area from 2.8 million hectares to 3 million hectares by 2030.

5. Which is the most famous GI-tagged product in Madhya Pradesh?

Kumbhraj Coriander is among the most well-known GI-tagged products due to its rich aroma, superior quality and strong export demand.