Amalsad Chikoo GI Tag: Gujarat’s Third GI Fruit

Why in the news

Amalsad Chikoo, named after a village in Navsari district, Gujarat, was granted a Geographical Indication tag.

Key facts

• Applicant: the Navsari district fruit and vegetable co-operative society, helped by GUJCOST and Navsari Agricultural University, with guidance from the state’s Department of Science and Technology.
• Traits: natural sweetness, smooth texture, long shelf life.
• Grown in 87 villages: Gandevi 51, Navsari 30, Jalalpore 6.
• Benefits: legal protection, global market access, better returns and value addition.

Gujarat’s chikoo scene

• Gujarat has 98% of India’s chikoo exports; Navsari is the top producing district; markets include UAE, UK and Bahrain.
• Other GI fruits: Gir Kesar Mango, Kutchhi Kharek (Date); Amalsad Chikoo is the third.

Exam angle

• District: Navsari; Gujarat’s GI fruits: three.