Bihar exports GI-tagged mangoes to London

Bihar exported the first one-tonne consignment of geographical indications (GI) certified Jardalu mangoes from Bhagalpur to London Monday. State agriculture minister Amarendra Pratap Singh virtually flagged it off.

GI relates to a specific geographical origin of a product and certifies that it possesses qualities or a reputation because of that.

The mangoes were packed in Lucknow after which the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority exported them in collaboration with the Bihar government, the Indian High Commission in London, and Invest India.

Singh said Jardalu mangoes are mainly grown in Bhagalpur and parts of some neighbouring districts. He added that these mangoes are grown over 1,200 hectares of orchards in Baghalpur. “Banka and Munger jointly produce these mangoes over 700 hectares land. The annual production of these mangoes is 10,000 metric tonnes.” He added that these mangoes have better shelf life and flavour. “The mangoes fetched GI tag in 2018 due to their exceptional quality.”

In May, Bihar exported one tonne of Muzaffarpur’s GI tagged shahi litchi to London.

N Saravana Kumar, Bihar’s agriculture department secretary, said they are working to formulate a policy to boost the export of GI products. “We are also setting up labs approved by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories at two agriculture universities for quality check of goods before export,” he said.

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