Geographical Indications: Agricultural Products

A Tribute to Agricultural Heritage

Geographical Indications (GIs) are a form of intellectual property rights (IPRs) that identify products originating from a specific geographical area, where their quality, reputation, or distinct characteristics are essentially linked to that origin.

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and World Trade Organisation (WTO) have enacted various laws and treaties for the protection of GIs. In India, the Geographical Indications Registry examines applications, and once accepted and uncontested, the GI is registered.

The Government of India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into force in 2003. This ensures protection and promotion of India’s unique agricultural and cultural heritage.

Kashmir Saffron – Red Gold of India

• Region: Jammu & Kashmir (Karewas highlands)
• Unique Feature: Only saffron in the world grown at 1600–1800m above sea level.

Kashmir Saffron is celebrated for its deep color, organic cultivation, and unmatched aroma. Chemical-free and pure, it remains one of the most prized GI-tagged spices of India.

Himachali Chulli Oil – A Mountain’s Gift

• Region: Himachal Pradesh (Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, Sirmour, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti)
• Product: Oil from wild apricot kernels.

Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, this aromatic oil is valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties, and continues to be part of household traditions.

Ganjam Kewda Flower – The Fragrance of Odisha

• Region: Odisha (coastal Ganjam)
• Product: Used for perfumes, aromatic oils, and distillates like kewda-ka-arak.

About 80–85% of India’s Kewda canopy is found here, making it the fragrant pride of Odisha.

Assam Lemon (Kaji Nemu) – Tangy Treasure

• Region: Assam (Sivasagar and beyond)
• Unique Feature: Larger and juicier than regular lemons.

This citrus variety is widely used in beverages, pickles, and medicines. Remarkably, the fruit stays attached to the tree for long even after ripening.

Mahabaleshwar Strawberry – Sweet Red Jewel

• Region: Maharashtra (Mahabaleshwar)
• Varieties: Chandler, Sweet Charlie, Camarossa.

Contributing nearly 90% of India’s strawberry production, Mahabaleshwar strawberries are sweeter and juicier due to their unique soil and climate.

Allahabad Surkha Guava – Sweetness of the Ganges Plains

• Region: Allahabad (between Ganga and Yamuna rivers)
• Unique Feature: Large size, thin skin, pink flesh, and rich aroma.

A true delight of Uttar Pradesh, the Surkha Guava is admired for its distinct agro-climatic identity.

Shahi Litchi – The Pride of Bihar

• Region: Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Vaishali, and adjoining districts of Bihar.
• Unique Feature: Early maturing, crimson red fruits with cream-colored pulp.

Known for its juiciness and sweetness, the Shahi Litchi is among India’s most cherished GI fruits.

Naga Tree Tomato – The Exotic Fruit of Nagaland

• Region: Nagaland
• Local Names: Si Binyano, Khwtidi

Though resembling tomatoes, these fruits are unique in taste and nutrition, being rich in vitamins A, C, iron, and magnesium.

Gir Kesar Mango – The Saffron Mango

• Region: Junagadh, Gujarat
• Unique Feature: Bright saffron pulp with almost no fiber.

Nicknamed the “Queen of Mangoes,” Gir Kesar is loved for its fragrance and sweetness, bearing fruit every year after 3–4 years of growth.

Bangalore Blue Grapes – Karnataka’s Purple Gem

• Region: Bangalore Rural district (Hoskote, Devanahalli, Dodballapur, Nelamangala)
• Unique Feature: Small, purple, thick-skinned berries with tangy-sweet flavor.

Cultivated for more than a century, these grapes are widely used in juices, jams, and wines.

Vazhakulam Pineapple – Golden Delight of Kerala

• Region: Kerala (Ernakulam, Kottayam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta)
• Local Name: Kannara

The fruit is sweet, crispy, golden yellow, and aromatic, weighing about 1.2 kg on average.

Eathomozhy Tall Coconut – Tamil Nadu’s Coastal Treasure

• Region: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
• Unique Feature: Strong stem, large crown, high copra and oil yield.

This hardy coconut is known for its durability, rich fiber, and abundant oil content, making it an agricultural mainstay.

A Philatelic Tribute to India’s Agricultural Heritage

The Department of Posts proudly issued Miniture sheet to honor these Geographical Indications of India. These stamps not only celebrate agricultural excellence but also pay tribute to the collective traditions, farmers, and cultural identity of India.