New Delhi, Oct 6 (KNN) Geographical Indication (GI)  tag has been granted to the Alphonso Mango from Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and other adjoining areas in Maharashtra.

A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

Commerce and industry ministry said in a release, “Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.” 

Ministry added, “It has long been one of the world's most popular fruit and is exported to various countries including Japan, Korea and Europe.”

The first product to get a GI tag in India was the Darjeeling tea in 2004. There are a total of 325 products from India that carry this indication including Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Banarasi Sarees and Tirupati Laddus. 

The king of mangoes, Alphonso, better known as ‘Hapus’ in Maharashtra, is in demand in domestic and international markets for its taste, pleasant fragrance and vibrant colour.