About Purandar figs

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:

1. Purandar Figs
2. Agricultural and Processed Foods Export Development Authority (APEDA)
3. 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