Kachchhi Kharek of Gujarat got GI tag

Source: This post is based on the article ” Kachchhi Kharek, indigenous dates of Kutch, become Gujarat’s 2nd fruit to get GI tag” published in “The Indian Express” on 13th January 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, Kachchhi Kharek, the indigenous variety of dates of Kutch, has become the second fruit of Gujarat to get a geographical indication (GI) tag.

What is Kachchhi Kharek?

It is the indigenous variety of dates of Kutch, Gujarat. The presence of dates in Kachchh (Kutch) is believed to be around 400–500 years old. It has become the second fruit of Gujarat to get a geographical indication (GI) tag, after Gir kesar mango.

Origin:

1. Date palm groves along the north-western border of India likely originated from seeds discarded by settlers visiting the Middle East for Haj and trade. 
2. Arab gardeners working in the palaces of former rulers in Kachchh(Kutch) may have also contributed to importing date seeds and offshoots from Arab countries.

Unique features: Unlike other countries, dates grown in Kutch are harvested at the khalal stage, as they can’t withstand moist weather. Kutch  is the only place around the world where fresh dates (Without wait for getting it dark or soft) are economically cultivated, marketed, and consumed. Whereas in other countries, growers wait to ripen it further till they become soft and dark brown or black in colour.

Note: The khalal stage occurs when fruits have matured, accumulated sucrose, turned red or yellow, but remain crisp.

As these are seedling propagated palms, each of them is a unique palm in itself, representing a vast range of diversity in characteristics.

Cultivation

Kutch is home to approximately two million date palms, with 1.7 million being seedling-origin palms of indigenous varieties.

The Kachchh area is accounting for more than 85 % of total dates palm cultivation in India.

What are Geographical Indications (GI) tag?

• A geographical indication or GI is used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• Geographical Indications are part of the intellectual property rights.
• Awarded by: Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDT) of India.
• Administered by: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999.
• Significance:
  • protect the authenticity and uniqueness of the products.
  • promote the economic and social development of the local communities that produce the products and preserve their traditional knowledge and skills.
  • enhance the market value and consumer demand of the products.