Geographical Indication Tag to Kachchhi Kharek

Kachchhi Kharek, the native dates of Kutch, have now been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, making them the second fruit from Gujarat to receive this recognition.

Kachchhi Kharek received Geographical Indication (GI) tag

Kachchhi Kharek, the indigenous variety of dates from Kutch, Gujarat, has recently been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDT) of India. This recognition marks the second fruit from Gujarat to receive such a distinction, following the Gir kesar mango in 2011.

Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Kachchhi Kharek

• On January 2, the CGPDT office awarded a GI certificate to Kuchchhi Kharek, also known as Kutchi dates, following an application submitted by the Unidates Farmer Producer Company Limited (UFPCL), a farmer producer organization in Kutch.

• The application was initially filed in June 2021 by Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agriculture University (SDAU) through CM Muralidharan, who was then a research scientist at SDAU's Date Palm Research Station in Mundra, Kutch. However, the SDAU later facilitated the process and designated UFPCL as the applicant.

• The first fruit to receive a GI tag from Gujarat was the Gir kesar mango in 2011, which is grown in Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Amreli districts of Saurashtra. Additionally, in the same year, Bhalia wheat from the Bhal region in central Gujarat and Saurashtra also received the GI tag.

• According to the GI Journal published by CGPTD, the presence of dates in Kutch dates back to around 400-500 years. It is believed that date palm groves in the north-western border of India originated from seeds brought by settlers who traveled to Middle-Eastern countries for Haj and trade. It is also possible that Arab gardeners working in the palaces of former rulers of Kachchh contributed to the import of date seeds and offshoots from Arab countries.

• The dates produced by these palms exhibit diverse colors, sizes, shapes, and tastes, making them distinct and deserving of the GI tag.

• These dates are harvested at the khalal stage and are known for their ability to tolerate high salinity levels. The season for Kutch dates begins in the month of June. When the fruits have reached maturity, accumulated sucrose, and turned red or yellow while still maintaining their crispness. In contrast, in other countries, dates are allowed to ripen further until they become soft and develop a dark brown or black color.

• According to the GI Journal, Kutch is likely the only place in the world where these dates are economically cultivated, marketed, and consumed. With over two million date palms, Kutch contributes to 85% of India's total date palm cultivation.

About Kachchhi Kharek

• In Kutch, date palms flower in January-February, and the kharek or fresh dates are harvested in June-July. This timing is due to the southwest monsoon reaching Kutch later than other parts of Gujarat.

• The dates in Kutch must be harvested at the khalal stage because they are unable to withstand moist weather.

• The Gujarat government reports that 19,251 hectares in Kutch are dedicated to date palm cultivation, which makes up 94% of the state's total date palm cultivation area of 20,446 hectares.

• This recognition has brought immense joy to the farmers in the semi-arid district. After receiving GI tag, farmers of these region, will now be able to brand their dates similar to the Gir Kesar mango. The GI tag will enhance consumer confidence in their fruits, leading to better prices for the farmers.

This development is highly significant for date palm growers in Kutch, as the GI tag will provide their kharek with a distinct identity. Consequently, it will create new opportunities for marketing and processing these delectable fruits.

This recognition of the Kachchhi Kharek variety further highlights the significance of Kutch as a major player in the date industry.