Context:
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) recently facilitated the export of India’s first ready-to-drink fig juice, made from geographical indication (GI)-tagged Purandar figs, to Poland.
Relevance:
GS III: Indian Economy
Dimensions of the Article:
- Purandar Figs
- Agricultural and Processed Foods Export Development Authority (APEDA)
- Geographical Indications (GI) Tag
Purandar Figs:
- Purandar figs are celebrated as some of India’s premium figs and were recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2016 for their distinctive sweet taste, large size, and nutritional benefits.
- These figs are primarily grown in several villages within the Purandar taluka in Pune district, Maharashtra.
- The cultivation thrives under specific agro-climatic conditions including dry weather and hilly terrains with well-drained soil, which are crucial for optimal growth.
- The region’s unique red and black soil is rich in Calcium and Potassium, contributing to the fruit’s unique size and the vibrant violet hue of its skin.
- Unique Characteristics:
- Shape and Size: The Purandar fig is noted for its bell shape and larger size compared to other varieties.
- Edible Portion: These figs boast over 80% edible pulp.
- Pulp Features: The pulp of the Purandar fig is pinkish-red, packed with high nutritional value, including a rich composition of vitamins and minerals.
Agricultural and Processed Foods Export Development Authority (APEDA)
Nodal: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985.
- The Authority has its headquarters in New Delhi.
- A Chairman is appointed by the Central Government.
Functions:
- APEDA is mandated with the responsibility of export promotion and development of the scheduled products viz. fruits, vegetables and their products; meat and meat products; poultry and poultry products; dairy products; confectionery, biscuits and bakery products; honey, jaggery and sugar products; cocoa and its products, chocolates of all kinds; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; cereal and cereal products; groundnuts, peanuts and walnuts, pickles, papads and chutneys; guar gum; floriculture and floriculture products; herbal and medicinal plants.
- APEDA has been entrusted with the responsibility to monitor import of sugar.
- Registration of persons as exporters of the scheduled products and fixing of standards and specifications for the scheduled products for the purpose of exports.
- Carrying out inspection of meat and meat products in slaughterhouses, processing plants, storage premises and improving packaging of the scheduled products.
Geographical Indications (GI) Tag
Definition and Importance:
- Geographical Indications of Goods indicate the country or place of origin of a product.
- They assure consumers of the product’s quality and distinctiveness derived from its specific geographical locality.
- GI tags are an essential component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and are protected under international agreements like the Paris Convention and TRIPS.
Administration and Registration:
- Geographical Indications registration in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
- The registration and protection are administered by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade (DIPIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- The registration is valid for 10 years, and it can be renewed for further periods of 10 years each.
Significance and Examples:
- GI tags provide a unique identity and reputation to products based on their geographical origin.
- The first product in India to receive a GI tag was Darjeeling tea.
- Karnataka has the highest number of GI tags with 47 registered products, followed by Tamil Nadu with 39.
Ownership and Proprietorship:
- Any association, organization, or authority established by law can be a registered proprietor of a GI tag.
- The registered proprietor’s name is entered in the Register of Geographical Indication for the applied product.
- Protection and Enforcement:
- Geographical Indications protect the interests of producers and prevent unauthorized use of the product’s name or origin.
- Enforcement of GI rights helps maintain the quality and reputation of the products associated with their specific geographical regions.
Location of the Geographical Indications Registry:
- The Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai, India.
-Source: Indian Express
