Amalsad chikoo from South Gujarat gets GI tag

Ahmedabad: On Friday, Amalsad chikoo, or sapodilla, became the 28th item from Gujarat to get a geographic indicator (GI) tag. After Kesar mango, Kutchi kharek (dried date), and Bhaliya wheat, it became the fourth food item from the state to get the prestigious tag.
Officials at Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST) said that the GI certification was granted to the Valsad Navsari Jilla Fal Ane Shakhbhaji Sahakari Sangh Limited. It was filed by experts at the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (Gujcost) and Navsari Agricultural University (NAU).

"Gujcost carried out research on proof of origin of the fruit cultivation in Amalsad, whereas NAU worked on the special characteristics of the chikoo variety," said an official. "This certification acknowledges the distinct quality, taste, and cultivation methods that make Amalsad chikoo a symbol of excellence in Indian horticulture."
The GI area of Amalsad chikoo includes 51 villages of Gandevi taluka, 6 villages of Jalalpore taluka, and 30 villages of Navsari taluka, which contribute towards 30% of the overall production.
Experts said that the fruit is recognised for its exceptional sweetness, fine texture, and long shelf life compared to several other varieties of India. The region's unique soil composition, coupled with traditional farming practices passed down through generations, contributes to the fruit's unparalleled quality, they added.
"The GI tag will provide the fruit with legal protection and enhance the reputation of local practices that will help the farming community," said a senior Gujcost official. "The region has about 10 xhikoo cooperative societies and contributes largely to the state's exports."