1 month ago
Rajasthan Farmers Challenge GI Tags on Unjha Spices
Farmers in Rajasthan are upset because a special tag called a Geographical Indication (GI) tag was given to jeera (cumin) and saunf (fennel) from Unjha in Gujarat.
The farmers say that Unjha is just a market where these spices are sold, not where they are grown.
They are worried that this tag will make their spices seem less valuable.
The Unjha market says that the spices originally come from their area and that the tag is fair.
Both sides have different opinions on who should get the benefit of the GI tag.
Rajasthan farmers object to GI tags for 'Unjha Jeera' and 'Unjha Fennel' as Unjha is only a market, not a production hub.
Unjha APMC defends the GI tags, claiming the spices originated in the Unjha region.
Rajasthan farmers fear the GI tags will be used to lower their prices and market their produce as inferior.
GI tags were granted on March 28 and cover multiple districts in Gujarat.
Rajasthan is the largest producer of jeera, while Gujarat leads in saunf production.
- Who
- Rajasthan farmers and Unjha APMC
- What
- Controversy over GI tags for Unjha Jeera and Unjha Fennel
- Where
- Unjha, Gujarat and Rajasthan
- When
- GI tags granted on March 28
- Why
- Rajasthan farmers believe the GI tags are unjustified as Unjha is only a market, not a production hub.
Rajasthan Farmers
Unjha APMC
Origin of Spices
Rajasthan Farmers
Rajasthan farmers argue that Unjha is only a market and not a production hub for jeera and saunf, and thus the GI tags are unjustified.
Unjha APMC
Unjha APMC claims that the spices originated in the Unjha region and thus deserve the GI tags, similar to the Gir Kesar mango.
Impact on Prices
Rajasthan Farmers
Rajasthan farmers fear that the GI tags will be used by traders to lower their prices and market their produce as inferior.
Unjha APMC
Unjha APMC defends the GI tags, stating that they are based on scientific evidence and traditional cultivation practices.
Key facts
- GI Tags Granted
- Unjha Jeera and Unjha Fennel
- GI Registration Date
- March 28
- Rajasthan's Jeera Production (2024-25)
- 6.89 lakh tonnes
- Gujarat's Jeera Production (2024-25)
- 4.72 lakh tonnes
- Rajasthan's Saunf Production (2024-25)
- 0.44 lakh tonnes
- Gujarat's Saunf Production (2024-25)
- 1.31 lakh tonnes
- Unjha APMC Chairman
- Dinesh Patel
- Rajasthan Farmer Representative
- Champa Choudhary
Quotes
Champa Choudhary
Rajasthan jeera farmer and director of Maru Laxmi Cumin Farmers Producer Company
““Unjha region is the pioneer in jeera cultivation. The acreage may have come down, with people taking its seeds for growing in other places and even China. But since the production originated here, only the crop in this geography, and not China, can be called Unjha Jeera.””
indianexpress.com
““The GI tag for Unjha Jeera will be used by traders at the APMC to beat down our prices. They will paint our jeera as inferior and their produce as premium.””
indianexpress.com
Sources
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