9 months ago
Darjeeling Mandarin Granted GI Tag
The Darjeeling Mandarin orange, a special winter fruit from the Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions, has been given a special tag called a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
This tag is like a stamp that shows the fruit is unique to this area because of the special climate and soil.
The tag was given on November 24, 2025, after a long process that started in 2021.
The tag helps protect the fruit's identity and makes sure farmers get the right value for their hard work.
Around 4,000 farmers grow these oranges, which are known for being juicier and sweeter than other oranges.
The next step is to register all these farmers so they can use the GI tag and sell their fruit legally.
This recognition is important because orange production in the hills has been decreasing over the past decade.
Darjeeling Mandarin orange officially granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag on November 24, 2025.
The GI application process began in August 2022 and was led by Tulsi Saran Ghimiray and supported by Mahua Hom Choudhury.
The Darjeeling Organic Farmers Producer Organisation (DOFPO) is now the registered proprietor of the GI tag.
Around 4,000 farmers in Darjeeling and Kalimpong grow the Darjeeling Mandarin, which is known for being juicier and sweeter than other oranges.
The next step is to register all growers as Authorised Users (AU) to legally use the GI tag and receive the rightful value for their produce.
- Who
- Darjeeling Organic Farmers Producer Organisation (DOFPO) and local farming community
- What
- Darjeeling Mandarin orange granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag
- Where
- Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions
- When
- GI status officially granted on November 24, 2025
- Why
- To protect the identity and legacy of Darjeeling Mandarin and ensure its distinct characteristics and exclusive link to the region’s unique geography and climate
Key facts
- GI Tag Date
- November 24, 2025
- GI Application Date
- August 22, 2022
- GI Journal Publication Date
- July 23, 2025
- Estimated Growers
- 4,000
- Growing Areas
- Darjeeling and Kalimpong
- Registered Proprietor
- Darjeeling Organic Farmers Producer Organisation (DOFPO)
- Previous GI Products from Darjeeling
- Darjeeling Tea, Dalley Khursani chilli
Quotes
Conrad K Sangma
Chief Minister of Meghalaya
“Our agenda has always been to uplift the farmers of our state and the region. I urge all stakeholders not to treat this as the end of an event, but as the beginning of a longer journey. For us, farmers continue to be at the centre of policy-making and every programme is target-based and time-bound.”
theprint.in
“We are launching an ambitious but achievable target for expanding organic cultivation across agricultural land in the state. This is a humble beginning, but it will significantly support farmers and create a wider impact on society.”
theprint.in
Vinita Sudhanshu
General Manager of APEDA
“This is the first programme of its kind in the Northeast region, and we are delighted to witness strong participation from farmers, FPOs and stakeholders.”
theprint.in
“Meghalaya has set an inspiring example of community-driven development.”
theprint.in
Jennifer Chang
Executive Director of IFOAM Asia
“farmers for working in harmony with nature, where crops grow without artificial interference.”
theprint.in
“If you teach a woman, you are raising a nation.”
theprint.in
Isawanda Laloo
Agriculture Secretary of Meghalaya
“Meghalaya remains naturally organic by heritage, geography and practice.”
theprint.in
Sources
Related news
West Bengal Sets September Delimitation Deadline for Municipal Polls
West Bengal SEC Orders Six Districts Ready Before Durga Puja
Heavy Rain Raises Landslide Danger Across Darjeeling and Kalimpong
West Bengal Begins Fines for Spitting, Littering and Plastic Violations
West Bengal Begins Land Literacy Camps Amid Tribal Land Complaints
