In a significant milestone for India’s agri-exports of GI products, the first-ever air shipment of Karnataka’s Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged produce comprising Nanjangudu Rasabale (banana), Mysore Betel Leaves (Chigurele) and Indi Lime was successfully flagged off to the Maldives on 15 January 2026. 

The consignment was flagged off with the support of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in coordination with the Department of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka, and the ICAR Institute, highlighting strong institutional collaboration in promoting GI-tagged agricultural produce in global markets. The produce was procured directly from farmers in Mysuru and Vijayapura districts, ensuring assured market access and better price realisation. The shipment was executed by M/s Silken Global Imports and Exports, Mysuru, led by entrepreneur-cum-exporter Mr Imran Pasha, who has been actively working towards farmer-led export models.

Nanjangudu Rasabale, often referred to as the “King of Bananas”, is renowned for its unique flavour, soft texture and rich nutritional value. Historically favoured by the Mysore Maharajas, the variety received its GI tag in the year 2005, reflecting the agricultural heritage of the Nanjangudu region. The fruit is rich in vitamins and dietary fibre and is known to support digestion, improve haemoglobin levels, help prevent kidney stones and ulcers, and contribute to overall wellness.

Mysore Betel Leaves (Chigurele) are distinguished by their heart-shaped leaves and mild spicy flavour. Apart from traditional consumption, they are valued for their digestive benefits, antibacterial properties supporting oral health, antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory characteristics.

Indi Lime, grown predominantly in the Indi taluk of Vijayapura district, is known for its superior quality, distinctive aroma and exceptionally high juice content of over 55%. Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, Indi Lime supports immune health, digestion, hydration and skin health.

This flag-off of the air shipment is expected to result in substantial income gains for farmers. Nanjangudu Rasabale banana farmers are likely to realise around 50% higher returns for the producers in comparison to sale in the local market, while Indi lime farmers are expected to receive over 40% higher price realisation due to export premium. The success of this shipment is also expected to encourage area expansion under GI-tagged crops, opening new opportunities for farmers to scale up cultivation of these GI products in a sustainable and market-linked manner. Officials from the Department of Horticulture and ICAR were present during the virtual flag-off ceremony. APEDA highlighted that such shipments play a crucial role in strengthening farmer-exporter linkages, enhancing global visibility of GI-tagged products, and ensuring better income realisation through international market access and expressed gratitude for the support and coordination by the Department of Horticulture Govt. of Karnataka and the ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur, District Mysore for ensuring quality production.

The successful flag-off to the Maldives not only creates global awareness about Karnataka’s traditional and high-quality GI produce but also reinforces India’s commitment to promoting its unique agricultural heritage. This landmark air shipment marks a new chapter in the export of Karnataka’s GI-tagged products and underscores continued efforts to empower farmers, strengthen agri-export value chains and expand India’s presence in high-value global markets.

 

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