Daijiworld Media Network – Kalaburgi

Kalaburagi, Sep 27: GI-tagged Kalaburagi tur dal has made its way to the Maldives, with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitating the shipment of one metric tonne of the Karnataka specialty on September 24.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the export marks an important step towards expanding international markets for India’s GI-tagged agricultural products and strengthening the participation of Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO)-led brands in agricultural exports.

A key highlight of the export-linked supply chain is the higher price realised by farmers. While the prevailing market price of tur dal is around Rs 60 per kg, farmers received Rs 82 per kg through the export channel, resulting in more than 30 per cent higher realisation.

The initiative is expected to provide FPOs with greater opportunities to participate in export-oriented value chains and connect local producers with international markets. It could also help create sustained market opportunities for producers and exporters from Karnataka through regular shipments to the Maldives.

Gulbarga tur dal, associated with the Kalaburagi region, received its Geographical Indication registration in 2019. Known for its distinctive taste and quality, the pulse is an important part of the region’s agricultural economy.

The consignment was exported by M/s Silken Global Exports and Imports, Mysuru, through its FPO-led brand and will be transported to the Maldives by sea.

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev highlighted the importance of taking India’s GI-tagged agricultural products to global markets and creating stronger market linkages for farmers.

The export is part of efforts to promote GI-tagged and other value-added agricultural products in international markets while improving value realisation for farmers and strengthening their integration with export-oriented supply chains.