Mango varieties with G.I. (Geographical Indications) in India

GEOGRAPHICAL  indications  (GI)  are  becoming increasingly important in the global branding of agricultural products. Farmers can also benefit from GI certification in order to obtain a higher price for their produce. It is especially important for mango because it is grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the country. Farmers who produce varieties in a unique area of production will benefit from this certification. 

Geographical indications of goods are defined as that aspect of industrial property which refers to the geographical indication referring to a country or to a place situated therein as being the country or place of origin of that product (Intellectual Property India). GI was covered as an element of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) under Articles 1 (2) and 10 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Convention on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights regulates GI on a global scale. India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which took effect on September 15, 2003. GI is a designation given to products that have a specific geographical origin and are distinguished by their unique qualities or reputation as a result of that origin. To function as a GI, a sign must identify the good as coming from a specific location, as well as the product’s qualities, characteristics, or reputation being primarily due to the location of origin. Because the product’s unique characteristics are determined by the geographical location of production, there is a clear link between the product and its place of origin (WIPO). According to Section 2 (f) of the GIG Act 1999, “goods” include agricultural, natural, and manufactured goods, as well as handicraft and industrial goods. In India, a total of 370 goods have been registered for Geographical Indication. G.I. Certified Mangoes is one of the 112 agricultural goods that have been registered.

India is home to many world-famous mango varieties in addition to being the world’s largest producer of mangoes. Mango varieties such as Alphonso, Banganapalli, Chausa, Dusseheri, Langra, Himsagar, Vanraj, Sunderja, Mankurad, and Kesar are important varieties grown in various parts of India. Due to their distinct characteristics, some of the world’s most famous varieties from various Indian regions have been granted Geographical Indication. When grown in specific regions that are distributed throughout India, these varieties are rich in some unique properties. Because of their distinct flavour and aroma, these varieties are extremely popular. The geographical distribution of these varieties, which ranges from Bengal to Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh to Karnataka, demonstrates that they develop unique qualities as a result of their growing environment.

Geographical Indication has been granted to 10 mango varieties so far. Laxman Bhog, Khirsapati (Himsagar), Fazli, Dusseheri, Appimidi, Gir Kesar, Marathwada Kesar, Banganapalli, Alphonso, and Zardalu are some of the varieties available. Apart from these varieties, applications for Geographical Indication have been made for Rataul and Salem mangoes, but these varieties have yet to receive a Geographical Indication certificate.