‘Sangli chi halad’ Finally Gets Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

A Geographical Indication (GI) sign is used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possesses qualities or a reputation that is due to that origin. A GI protection gives an assurance of quality and distinctiveness due to its origin in the particular geographical location.

Turmeric from Sangli has a great medicinal value and accounts for nearly 70 percent of the state’s total production. The farmers from Sangli and the adjoining areas had a long pending demand and filed for a GI for ‘Sangli chi halad’ (Sangli’s turmeric) five years ago. Their demand was finally heard in November, this year.

According to the members of the Shivrajya Halad Utpadak Shetkari Swayam Sahayata Gat – farmer’s group, Sangli turmeric is known for the last 150 years. The GI tag will help them get a better price for their produce on the international market. They were overwhelmed at the thought that they will have their own brand at the international level.

As per the government of Maharashtra’s statistics, turmeric was grown on 11,300 hectares of land in Maharashtra, producing 1,90,000 metric tonnes, yearly. Sangli produces 1,40,000 metric tonnes of turmeric yearly.

“Now, with this tag, Sangli turmeric will sell as a brand all over the country and also abroad,” said Ganesh Hingmire, who laid the characteristics of ‘Sangli Hald’ in front of the assistant registrar C Naidu on behalf of the farmer’s group.