Mehsana, July 13 (IANS) Unjha’s renowned cumin and fennel have been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tags, giving two of Gujarat’s most significant agricultural products official geographical recognition and strengthening their identity in domestic and international markets.

The certification is expected to enhance product authenticity, improve export prospects and help farmers secure better prices through protected branding.

The GI tags have been granted by the Geographical Indications Registry of the Central government under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

The recognition applies to cumin and fennel grown in and associated with the Unjha region of North Gujarat, one of India’s largest spice trading hubs.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the recognition was in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vocal for Local” and “Local to Global” vision and reflected the growing international recognition of Gujarat’s traditional agricultural products.

“The GI tag awarded to Unjha cumin and fennel is a significant achievement towards realising the vision of taking products from villages to global markets. This is not merely a government certification, but a recognition of the tireless efforts of our farmers, the quality of our agricultural produce, the trust of traders and Unjha’s rich agricultural tradition. It will give both products a distinct identity in the global market, establish them as unique brands and further strengthen the global reputation of Gujarat’s agricultural produce,” Patel said.

A GI tag is granted to products whose quality, reputation or characteristics are linked to a specific geographical region.

The certification provides legal protection against misuse of the product’s name, helps maintain quality standards and reduces the circulation of counterfeit products.

According to experts cited by the state government, GI-tagged products can command market prices that are 20 to 30 per cent higher than comparable non-GI products.

The certification is therefore expected to improve farmers’ incomes, strengthen the local agricultural economy and create opportunities for value addition and exports.

The application for the GI tags was prepared through the combined efforts of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Unjha; the Central government; the state government’s Horticulture and Farmers Welfare Department; Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University; and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, Gujarat.

Unjha APMC chairman Dinesh Patel described the recognition as a landmark for the region’s farming and spice trade.

“The GI tag awarded to Unjha cumin and fennel is a historic achievement for the farmers of Unjha and the spice trade. It will further strengthen the authenticity and market credibility of both products. Their demand and acceptance at the global level will increase, providing farmers with better prices while creating new opportunities for exports and value addition,” he said.

More than 400 products are currently registered under India’s GI Registry. Gujarat’s existing GI-recognised agricultural products include Gir Kesar mango, Bhalia wheat, Kutchi Kharek and Amlasadi Chikoo.

The addition of Unjha cumin and fennel expands the state’s portfolio of protected agricultural products and is expected to strengthen the global competitiveness of Gujarat’s farm produce while opening new market opportunities for growers.

–IANS

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