Banganapalle mangoes get geographical indication tag

Chennai: Finally, the tasty ‘Banganapalle’ mangoes got the geographical indication (GI) tag on Wednesday. The mango variety is mostly cultivated in Krishna, West Godavari and Srikakulam in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Kurnool and Chittoor in the Rayalaseema region.

The Registrar, Geographical Indications Regisktry, Chennai, O.P Gupta, accorded the GI Certificate to Andhra Pradesh's 'King of Fruit' based on an application filed by the Commissioner of Horticulture, Andhra Pradesh.

In the petition, the Commissioner submitted that ‘Banganapalle mangoes’ are being raised in Andhra Pradesh for over a century. Banganapalle, a town in Kurnool district, was the capital of the princely state of Banganapalle from 1790 to 1948. After Independence, the ruler of Banganapalle acceded to the Indian Union and it was incorporated in Kurnool district of the then Madras Presidency.     

Being geographically close to the kingdom of the erstwhile Nizam of Hyderabad, and due to royal patronage, several orchards were developed in the place and over the years these orchards became famous. The luscious Banganapalle variety of mangoes was one among them.

The Commissioner said the department is engaged in growing and improving the quality of Banganapalle mangoes, adhering to strict quality standards in growth and post-production care like ripening, preserving and packing. The department ensures that these unique mangoes reach consumers in Andhra Pradesh, other states and countries. The department represents the interests of the farmers and consumers in AP. Nearly 7,68,250 families of farmers and traders were engaged in the profession of tending and selling Banganapalle mangoes just in AP.

The Commissioner said “over 24.35 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes are grown every year in the State. Of these, 5,500 tonnes were exported every year to various countries, including USA, UK, Japan and Gulf countries.

After several rounds of discussions, perusing reports including gazettes and examination reports, the Registrar, Geograp-hical Indications Registry, Chennai, issued the certificate to the Horticulture Development Agency, represented by Commissioner of Horticulture, AP, and stated Horticulture Development Agency is the Registered Proprietor of the G.I. “Banganapalle Mango” in respect of Mango (Horticultural Goods) falling in Class -31.