Junnar’s ‘Shivneri Hapus’ mango gets GI tag; MP Dr Amol Kolhe’s efforts bear fruit
Pune: The Central Government has granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to the mango variety ‘Shivneri Hapus’ from Junnar.
The Narayangaon Gramonnati Mandal Krushi Vidyan Kendra’s efforts and MP Dr Amol Kolhe’s continuous follow-ups bore fruit. Mangoes are grown in Junnar taluka on a large scale. The Shivneri Hapus mango is known for its characteristic taste. Therefore, the Narayangaon Gramonnati Mandal Krushi Vidyan Kendra was trying to get the tag for the mango variety.
MP Dr Kolhe followed up the matter from 2022 with the Centre. He succeeded in getting the GI tag for ‘Shivneri Hapus’ on the lines of Kashmiri saffron, Banarasi saree or Darjeeling tea.
MP Dr Kolhe said, “The Narayangaon Gramonnati Mandal Krushi Vidyan Kendra was trying to get the GI tag for Junnar’s ‘Shivneri mango’ for many years. There were some lacunae in their proposal, which were fulfilled from time to time through the Krushi Vidnyan Kendra. Being a representative of my region, I was corresponding with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and following up the proposal with him. I am happy that I could do my bit to get the GI tag for ‘Shivneri Hapus’. Moreover, Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, former MLA Atul Benke, Anil Meher extended their help in this regard.”
The GI tag
*If a product is made in a particular geographical location and has unique characteristics connected to that location, it gets the GI tag. The process confirms the origin of a product or agricultural produce. Producers can, thus, maintain its quality and profit from its sale.
*The tag is related to product and region. A product produced at various locations may have different qualities. The GI tag confirms its identity.