Valsad: Amalsad chikoo (sapodilla) grown in South Gujarat was granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag on Friday, becoming the 28th product from Gujarat and the fourth food item after Kesar mango, Kutchi kharek (dried dates), and Bhaliya wheat to receive the designation.

The GI certification was awarded to the Valsad Navsari Jilla Fal Ane Shakhbhaji Sahakari Sangh Limited, following a joint application by the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (Gujcost) and Navsari Agricultural University (NAU). Gujcost conducted research to establish the origin of the fruit’s cultivation in Amalsad, while NAU studied the unique traits of this chikoo variety.

The designated GI region covers 51 villages in Gandevi taluka, 6 in Jalalpore, and 30 in Navsari, which together produce about 30% of the state’s chikoo yield. A senior Gujcost official noted that the GI tag not only provides legal protection but also boosts recognition for traditional agricultural practices, benefiting nearly 10 chikoo cooperative societies and enhancing the region’s export potential. DeshGujarat