In a proud first for India’s agricultural and cultural heritage, a remarkable array of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products — each deeply rooted in local tradition, soil, and climate — is making its debut on the global stage.

This landmark initiative showcases the country’s unparalleled biodiversity and craftsmanship, with products like Sikkim’s fiery Dalle Chilly, Maharashtra’s luscious premium pomegranates, Kerala’s juicy pineapples, Nagaland’s legendary Raja Mircha, and West Bengal’s beloved sweets — Mithidana and Joynagar Moa — among others.

Each product carries with it a story of generations who have nurtured it with care, and today, these farmers and artisans are finally getting a long-overdue global spotlight.

A Kaleidoscope of India’s Regional Treasures

The list reads like a vibrant map of India’s agricultural excellence:

• Dalle Khursani (Sikkim): Known as one of the spiciest chillies in the world, the Dalle is a symbol of Sikkimese culture and cuisine.
• Premium Pomegranates (Maharashtra): Especially from regions like Solapur, these pomegranates are prized for their deep color, sweetness, and shelf life.
• Fig Juice (Various states): Packed with nutrition, India’s figs are processed into refreshing, preservative-free juices catering to the global demand for health drinks.
• Vazhakkulam Pineapple (Kerala): Grown in the fertile soil of Kerala, these pineapples are known for their distinct sweetness and high juice content.
• Raja Mircha (Nagaland): Also known as Bhut Jolokia, this chilli once held the title of the world’s hottest pepper, and carries cultural and culinary significance in Nagaland.
• Mithidana and Joynagar Moa (West Bengal): Traditional Bengali sweets that melt in the mouth, made from khoya, jaggery, and aromatic kanakchur puffed rice.
• Khasi Mandarin Orange (Meghalaya): A juicy, flavorful fruit that thrives in the hilly terrains of Meghalaya.
• Bhalia Wheat (Gujarat): With a high protein content and strong grain structure, this wheat is preferred for premium quality bakery and confectionery.
• Jalgaon Banana (Maharashtra): Often called the “Banana Capital of India,” Jalgaon produces robust, long-lasting bananas with distinctive taste.
• Jasmine (Tamil Nadu): Revered for its unmatched fragrance, Tamil Nadu’s jasmine is an essential part of religious ceremonies, weddings, and perfume making.

Why GI-Tagging Matters

Geographical Indication (GI) tags are not just decorative titles — they are a vital recognition of a product’s link to its place of origin. GI-tagged goods guarantee authenticity, help protect traditional knowledge, and assure buyers of superior quality. For farmers and artisans, GI status protects their livelihoods from counterfeit products and mass-market imitations.

India, with more than 400 GI-tagged products, has the world’s largest and most diverse range — yet, until now, only a fraction of them have been visible internationally.

“This moment is not just about exports; it is about giving Indian farmers, artisans, and communities the recognition and respect they have long deserved,” said an official from the Ministry of Commerce.

Global Launch: More Than Just an Economic Move

The government, working closely with export agencies and farmer cooperatives, has prepared a detailed quality assurance and logistics plan to ensure that these delicate and authentic products reach international markets without compromising their originality. Strict standards for packaging, transportation, and marketing have been put in place.

The move is also symbolic — it tells the world that India is ready to offer more than commodities; it is offering culture, history, and authenticity.

For small-scale farmers, this initiative opens up access to premium markets, which can significantly boost incomes, create rural employment, and foster community-driven prosperity.

Exporters are optimistic. “Consumers globally are increasingly seeking authenticity, traceability, and artisanal quality. Indian GI-tagged products offer all that — with a beautiful backstory,” said one leading agri-exporter.

 A Taste of India, A Story of Tradition

From the hills of Sikkim to the coastal fields of Tamil Nadu, from the rich deltas of Bengal to the sun-soaked lands of Gujarat — India’s GI-tagged products are not just food or flowers. They are living embodiments of centuries-old wisdom, nature’s bounty, and human resilience.

As these treasures take their first steps into global markets, India is not just exporting goods — it is exporting pride, heritage, and hope.

And for the farmers and artisans behind these marvels, it is a dream long nurtured — now finally blooming on the world stage.