Konkan Alphonso Mangoes Get A Geographical Indication Tag

The alphonso mangoes which are a popular variety that comes down from the Konkan region will now bear the Geographical Indication (GI) tag reports the F&B News. Under this tag, the alphonso variety coming in from Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Palghar, Thane and Raigad districts of Maharashtra will be marked with their place of origin. This tag not only represents the geographical region but also stands as a quality mark for the produce.

GI Mark For Konkan Alphonso

“The GI tag will assure the quality and distinctiveness which is essential tribute to its origin in that defined geographical area,” said ministry of commerce in a statement. The report further says that the Union minister of commerce and industry Suresh Prabhu was the one to launch the logo and the tagline for the GI of India. He also said that this tag would give ‘the rightful share in intellectual property to the artisan and the place of origin of the product’.

Everyone Is Not Satisfied

“As you know Alphonso mango is not only grown in Konkan area, but also in Valsad, Pune etc. If Alphonso mango is GI only for Konkan area it means exports from other mango growers will be affected,” Suraj Savalia, secretary, South Gujarat Food Processors’ Association, Navsari told F&B News expressing his displeasure. “Alphonso mango is grown in entire India (not only in Konkan). So all Indian farmers have to be benefited. Hence, I do not agree with GI of Alphonso mango for Konkan area only.”

“Finally after 10 years pushing hard from 2008, government has taken some step and brought Alphonso mangoes under GI tag. However, we are not happy as GI tag has been given just for ‘Alphonso’ from the region.” Omkar Sapre, board member, Devgad Taluka Amba Utpadak Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit said in a statement. “Instead we had been pushing for GI tag for ‘Devgad Alphonso’ and ‘Ratnagiri Alphonso,’ district specific type, which the GI authority had actually approved earlier this year. But, they somehow chose to overrule that and make Alphonso generic covering five districts, of Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindudurg and Palghar.”