In News:

• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever air shipment of GI-tagged Indi Lime (Karnataka) and Puliyankudi Lime (Tamil Nadu) to the United Kingdom. The initiative marks a significant step in expanding India's agricultural export basket and enhancing global recognition of region-specific products.
• This milestone aligns with India’s broader efforts to promote GI-tagged agricultural commodities and support farmer incomes through improved market access.

What is a GI Tag?

• A Geographical Indication (GI) is an Intellectual Property Right (IPR) recognising products whose qualities or reputation are linked to a specific geographical origin.
• Legislation: Registered under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• Issuing Authority: GI Registry, Chennai under DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Purpose:
  • Protect regional uniqueness
  • Prevent unauthorised use
  • Enhance export potential
  • Provide economic benefits to local communities

Indi Lime (Karnataka)

• Region: Primarily grown in Vijayapura district.
• Characteristics:
  • High juice content
  • Strong aroma
  • Balanced acidity
• Uses: Culinary applications, traditional medicine, and cultural practices; reflects Karnataka’s agrarian heritage.
• Earlier in 2025, APEDA also exported 3 MT of GI-tagged Swadeshi Indi Lime to the UAE, showcasing rising global demand.

Puliyankudi Lime (Tamil Nadu)

• Region: Grown widely in Tenkasi district, known as the “Lemon City of Tamil Nadu.”
• Popular Variety: Kadayam Lime
• Features:
  • Thin peel
  • Strong acidity
  • High juice yield (≈55%)
  • Rich in Vitamin C (≈34.3 mg/100g) and antioxidants
• GI Recognition: Granted in April 2025, acknowledging its superior regional traits.

Export Significance

• Enhances global visibility of India’s GI-tagged agricultural products.
• Opens new markets for limes, traditionally exported in small volumes.
• Strengthens farmer incomes and supports rural economies in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Builds on India’s expanding export footprint, which recently included:
  • Gharwali apples
  • Apricots from Kargil

to Gulf markets such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar.

Institutional & Trade Context

• APEDA, under the Department of Commerce, plays a leading role in diversifying India’s agri-exports.
• The announcement coincided with India–EU FTA discussions in Brussels, where Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and EU officials reiterated the need for a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement to strengthen bilateral trade.