Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Department of Commerce, has facilitated first-ever air shipment of GI-tagged Indi and Puliyankudi Limes to the United Kingdom (UK), India’s GI-tagged horticultural exports,
This milestone marks India’s growing recognition in the global agri-produce market, strengthening the export potential of region-specific agricultural goods with distinctive identity and superior quality.
Key Highlights
- Exporting Agency: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
- Consignment Composition:
- 350 kg of Indi Lime from Vijayapura, Karnataka
- 150 kg of Puliyankudi Lime from Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu
- Total Consignment: 500 kg (air-shipped to UK)
- Significance:
- Marks the first-ever export of these GI-tagged lime varieties to Europe.
- Expands the global footprint of India’s GI-tagged horticultural produce.
Earlier this year (2025), APEDA exported 3 metric tons of GI-tagged Swadeshi Lime from Vijayapura, Karnataka, to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signalling growing international demand for Indian citrus varieties.
Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a form of Intellectual Property Right (IPR) used to identify goods that originate from a specific geographical region, possessing qualities, reputation, or characteristics inherently linked to that origin.
Legal Framework
- Act: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
- Implemented by: Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai
- Administered under: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Objectives of GI Tag
- To protect regional products against unauthorized use or imitation.
- To promote authenticity and ensure traceability.
- To enhance market value and export potential.
- To ensure economic benefits to local producers, artisans, and farming communities.
Examples of Famous Indian GI Tags
- Agricultural Products: Darjeeling Tea (WB), Nagpur Orange (MH), Alphonso Mango (MH/Goa), Basmati Rice (Indo-Gangetic plains)
- Handicrafts: Banarasi Saree (UP), Kanchipuram Silk (TN), Mysore Sandal Soap (KA)
- Food Items: Hyderabadi Haleem (TS), Tirupati Laddu (AP), Rasagola (OD/ WB)
Indi Lime (Karnataka)
Region of Origin:
- Grown mainly in Vijayapura (Bijapur) District, Karnataka — a region with semi-arid climate and fertile black cotton soil ideal for lime cultivation.
Distinct Features:
- Superior Quality with zesty aroma, high juice yield, and balanced acidity.
- Culinary Use: Widely used in beverages, pickles, and traditional recipes.
- Traditional Value: Used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine for its digestive and detoxifying properties.
- Cultural Significance: Reflects Karnataka’s agrarian heritage and sustainable farming practices.
Export History:
- In early 2025, 3 metric tons of GI-tagged Swadeshi Lime (another variant from Vijayapura) were successfully exported to the UAE.
- The UK export marks India’s entry into the European citrus fruit market for these GI varieties.
Puliyankudi Lime (Tamil Nadu)
Region of Origin:
- Cultivated in Tenkasi District, Tamil Nadu — famously known as the “Lemon City of Tamil Nadu.”
- Puliyankudi and Kadayam blocks form the primary lime-producing regions.
Distinctive Features:
- Variety: Kadayam Lime
- Physical Traits: Thin peel, strong acidity, high juice content (≈55%)
- Nutritional Value:
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): ~34.3 mg per 100g
- Rich in antioxidants, boosts immunity, aids digestion
- Recognition:
- Received GI Tag in April 2025, highlighting its regional uniqueness and superior quality.
- Market Demand:
- Known for export-grade consistency, long shelf life, and suitability for beverage and food industries.
Expanding Global Footprint of Indian GI-Tagged Produce
In addition to limes, APEDA has also facilitated:
- Export of Gharwali Apples and Apricots from Kargil (Ladakh) to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar.
- This marks India’s diversification into high-value horticultural exports, contributing to farmers’ income under the “Vocal for Local to Global” initiative.
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)
Establishment & Legal Framework
- Established under: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985
- Year of Establishment: 1986 (replacing the Processed Food Export Promotion Council – PFEPC)
- Parent Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India
- Headquarters: New Delhi
Primary Objective
To promote and develop the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products and to provide financial, technical, and infrastructural support to exporters.
Functions of APEDA
- Standard Setting: Establish standards and specifications for scheduled products.
- Exporter Registration: Register exporters dealing with scheduled products.
- Quality Control: Inspect and ensure export quality compliance.
- Market Development: Improve packaging, marketing, and international branding.
- Training: Conduct training and capacity-building for agri-exporters.
- Research & Development: Undertake feasibility studies, surveys, and promote product diversification.
- Data Collection: Compile and publish export statistics.
- Financial Assistance: Provide subsidies and aid for export promotion and certification.
Scheduled Products under APEDA
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Meat, Poultry, and Dairy Products
- Confectionery, Bakery, Biscuits, Honey, Jaggery, Sugar Products
- Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages
- Cereal and Cereal Products
- Organic Products (under NPOP)
APEDA and Organic Export Certification
- Acts as the Secretariat to the National Accreditation Board (NAB) under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
- Ensures certification of organic products exported from India.
Key Fact
| Topic | Key Facts |
| APEDA Establishment | 1986 (Act of 1985) |
| Parent Ministry | Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Current Chairman (2025) | Dr. Madhaiyaan Angamuthu (IAS) |
| GI Registry Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| GI Act Year | 1999 |
| Administered by | DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| Tamil Nadu’s GI Products | Kancheepuram Silk Saree, Madurai Jasmine, Puliyankudi Lime, Salem Mango |
| Karnataka’s GI Products | Mysore Sandal Soap, Kodagu Orange, Coorg Arabica Coffee, Indi Lime |
| Top GI-Tagged Agricultural Exporters (India) | Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal |
| India’s First GI Tag | Darjeeling Tea (2004) |
Significance of This Export
- Boosts Farmer Income: Enhances profitability through value-added GI branding.
- Promotes “Vocal for Local to Global”: Strengthens India’s identity in global agri trade.
- Diversifies Export Markets: Expands India’s agricultural exports to Europe and the Middle East.
- Encourages Rural Entrepreneurship: Empowers local producer groups and cooperatives.
- Supports Sustainable Agriculture: Promotes cultivation of regional and climate-resilient varieties.