Gujarat’s Unjha Cumin and Fennel Receive GI Tag

For Gujarat agriculture sector, Geographical Indication (GI) tag awarded to Unjha cumin (Jeera) and Unjha fennel (Saunf) by the Geographical Indications Registry. This recognition confirms that these two premium spice crops are products of Unjha, which is one of the biggest spice trading centers of India located in northern Gujarat. This GI certification is set to enhance the global identity of Gujarat spices, boost the export potential of the spice, improve income opportunities for farmers, and also provide protection from misinterpretation of these products.

GI Tag Granted to Unjha Cumin and Fennel

The Geographical Indication (GI) Registry has conferred GI status on Unjha cumin and Unjha fennel, which signifies the its distinctive quality and geographical location.

GI registration was done through the collaboration of,

• Unjha Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC)
• Department of Horticulture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Gujarat
• Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University (SDAU)
• Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII)

This certification will protect the unique identity of these spices and ensures that only the products that come from Unjha region are sold under these names.

The Importance of GI Tag

A geospatial indicator (GI) is a form of intellectual property that is used to mark products that possess certain quality characteristics that are directly linked to a particular location.

For Unjha spices (cumin and fennel). the GI will,

• Safeguard the products from imitations and misuse
• Ensure authenticity both in domestic and international market
• Increase consumer faith in certified origin
• Strengthen the concept of regional branding
• Boost export competitiveness
• Stabilize the agricultural heritage of Gujarat

In addition, the recognition makes it easy to distinguish Unjha spices from similar spices produced in other areas.

Benefits for the Farmers

According to the state of Gujrat in India, GI, or geographical indication, products have better market prices than non-GI products.

The benefits are expected to be as follows,

• Better prices for the farmers
• More demand abroad
• More branding potential
• Increased value addition in the spice supply chain
• More protection against counterfeit products
• Better access to markets for authentic Unjha spices.

The GI certification would indeed help spice growers earn higher incomes and boost Agri economy in Gujarat.

What Makes Unjha Well Known for Spices?

Unjha is situated in the Mehsana district of northern Gujarat, and is known as one of Asia’s largest spice trade centers.

The main trade center of Unjha is the Unjha Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), which is a significant trading center of,

• Cumin (Jeera)
• Fennel (Saunf)
• Isabgol
• Various other important seed spices

A lot of spices made in Gujarat and Rajasthan have their trade route through the Unjha market, making this place of great importance in the spice trade of India.

Gujarat’s Role in to Producing Spices

Gujarat is on top of the spice industry in India.

Cumin

• Gujarat is the biggest cumin-producing state in India.
• India is the best cumin-producing and exporting country in the world.
• Gujarat makes a major contribution to the country in terms of production and export.

Fennel

• Gujarat is among the top producers of fennel in India.

Fennel production takes place mainly in the following districts,

• Mehsana
• Patan
• Banaskantha
• Gandhinagar

Expanding list of GI Products in Gujarat

With the introduction of Unjha cumin and fennel, the list of GI certified products in Gujarat has been expanded further.
The important agricultural GI products from the state are,

• Gir Kesar mango
• Bhalia wheat
• Kachchhi Kharek
• Amalsadi Chikoo
• Unjha cumin (jeera)
• Unjha fennel (saunf)

These GI tags are important in promoting the identity of Gujarat agriculture at the national and international level.