Devgad Alphonso Mango Got Its Very Own GI Tag

The Alphonso is the most loved mango, and mainly it is produced in the Southern region of Maharashtra Konkan. Recently, the Alphonso mango won its geographical indication (GI) tag. Along with Alphonso from the area of Ratnagiri, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Sindhudurg districts of the Maharashtra region the place of this type of mango (Konkan) can be claimed.

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Alphonso is the king of all types of mangoes and in Maharashtra, it is also known as Hapus. Nowadays, its demand in both international and domestic markets is very high due to its vibrant color and pleasant taste. For many years, it is the most popular mango in the world and is being exported to many countries including Europe, Korea, and Japan.

Efforts to Grant GI Tag to Devgad Alphonso Mangos from All Parts of Country

Earlier it was planned to grant GI tag only to the Alphonso mangoes of Konkan Maharashtra. But Alphonso mango is grown in various areas of India including Konkan, Pune, and Valsad. Efforts were taken to bring the Devgad mangoes under GI tagging from all over the country, to avoid any discrimination otherwise the export of these mangoes from other states was supposed to be affected negatively.

The secretary of South Gujrat Food Processors, Suraj Savalia expressed his displeasure after the decision of GI tags for Konkan area only. Furthermore, he said that this mango is grown all over India, so all people should be getting benefits at an equal level.

The Devgad Alphonso mangoes are brought under the GI tagging after 10 years of hard pushing efforts. A board member (Omkar Sapre) of Devgad Taluka Amba Utpadak Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit said in a statement that the board is not happy as the GI tag is only for the Alphonso region. He said that we also want GI tag for Ratnagiri Alphonso, and Devgad Alphonso, which are specific types of the district and have been approved by the GI authority at the beginning of the year.

Due to countless efforts of Omkar Sapre a notification was published for awarding the GI tag to Devgad Alphonso mango, and will also be published in the GI’s journal, and finally, it will be awarded after two months when all the mandatory objections will be over.

GI an Indicator of Quality, Distinctiveness and Individual Recognition

GI is used for indicating the specific origin in terms of geographical dimensions for defining the quality of products having a specific origin in an area. A good example in this aspect is Basmati rice that is a native type of rice in the northwest of Himalayas’ foothills. The ministry of commerce has explained in a statement that the GI tag is specifically used for assuring the distinctiveness and quality that is a major tribute to the geographical area.

Suresh Prabhu, Union minister of commerce and industry has launched tagline and logo for Indian geographical indication. He also stated that there will be a rightful share of GI in the intellectual property to the place and artisan of this unique and best quality product.

India is also a member of the world trade organization (WTO), so according to the registration and protection act of 1999, the good quality mangoes can easily make their distinct place in the world market. In this way, India can earn more name, fame, and money by exporting this kind of mangoes. Under Article 22(1) the GIs have been properly defined for the intellectual property rights and trade-related aspects. The proper definition of GI under the light of these articles is stated as below.

“Indications for identification of good origin in the specific place of a member, or in the local region of a territory where the reputation, characteristics, and quality of specific goods or items is directly attributed to its specific geographical origin”.

Reduced Falsification and Enhanced Customer’s Satisfaction

Many people are selling Devgad Alphonso mangoes mainly from some other parts of various Indian states, but they are falsely claiming it as Devgad. Now due to GI tag, this falsification will be stopped. The GI tag is a strong indication that the uniqueness and quality of this mango are verified after necessary tests by the expert committee of government. Only those farmers, who are belonging to the Devgad can use this name for selling their mango products.

Now all the mango growers belonging to the Sindhudurg can use this specific GI tag. Strict action will be taken against those who will be claiming false statements for selling low-quality mangoes from other regions. Customers are even happier for this action, as there is no need to worry about paying extra for lower quality mangoes. Some people won’t mind paying some more amount for this Devgad alphonso mango if they are provided with the original taste and quality.

Conclusion

Due to the GI tag, the marketing of Alphonso will be significantly improved both in national and international markets. Although its price is somewhat premium as compared to other breeds of mangos but this price worth the quality and uniqueness of Alphonso mango. People will get only the taste and quality for which they are paying.