The Alphonso variety of mangoes from the picturesque coastal Konkan region of Maharashtra has finally got the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Better known as 'Hapus' and considered the 'King of Mangoes', the Alphonso is one of the finest variety of mangoes and is specific to Maharashtra's coastal Konkan belt of Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Palghar, Thane and Raigad districts.
The Hapus grown in Devgad is considered to be the best and is known globally. "Alphonso is in demand in domestic and international markets not only for its taste but also for the pleasant fragrance and vibrant colour. It has long been one of world's most popular fruit and is exported to various countries," according to a press statement of Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
"Its a great decision, its going to help us," Dr Vivek Bhide, the President of Konkan Mango Growers' & Sellers' Association, told DH over the phone.
Dr Bhide, who is a general practitioner and also the chief trustee of the Ganpatipule Temple of Ratnagiri, said: "There would be two immediate benefits. Firstly, there would be a boost in exports. Secondly, malpractices in market could be checked....any mango cannot be passed off as Hapus."
Hapus generally hit the retail markets of Mumbai and Pune in February-March.
As far as retail prices are concerned, last season, it sold between Rs 700 to 1,500 a dozen. According to the data of Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing Board, nearly 52,000 tonnes of Alphanso was exported in 2017.
Some of the places where it is exported are United States, Japan, Korea, Australia, South Africa.
For export to US markets, nearly 1,200 tonnes is irradiated in facilities of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
At least, four organisations petitioned for a GI tag - Devgad Hapus Utpadak Sangh, Ratnagiri Hapus Utpadak Sangh, Konkan Hapus Utpadak Sangh and Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth of Dapoli in Ratnagiri.
WHAT IS GI TAG?
** The GI is an indication used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or reputation that are due to that origin.
** Darjeeling Tea, Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Banarasi Sarees, Tirupati Laddus and Banglar Rasogolla are some of them.
** Total 325 products in India carry GI indication
WHAT MAKES HAPUS SPECIAL
** Alphanso mangoes have a rich, creamy, tender texture and is low in fibre content and delicate pulp. The flesh is golden saffron in colour.
** The thin skin turns bright golden yellow with a tinge of red on the top.
** The variety is named after Portuguese general, Afonso de Albuquerque, who established Portuguese colonies in India. They had introduced grafting on mango trees to get extraordinary varities like Alfonso.