Context: Recently, Ladakh got its first ever Geographical Indication (GI) Tag to its Raktsey Karpo Apricot.

Apricot Production in Ladakh

• Ladakh is the biggest apricot producer in the country.

• Ladakh Apricot is classified into two broad categories based on kernel taste and stone color. Fruits with bitter kernels are called khante meaning bitter, while those with sweet kernels are called nyarmo meaning sweet. 

• They are further divided into two sub-groups based on seed stone color. Fruit with white seed stones is called Raktsey Karpo while those with brown seed stones are called Raktsey Nakpo or Nyarmo (black seeded).

• Ladakh Apricot is also being promoted under One District One Product for Kargil.

What is special about Raktsey Karpo Apricot?

• Firstly, it is packed with vitamins, is low on calories and is rich in sorbitol – a natural glucose substitute that can be consumed by diabetics.

• Secondly, the oil from its seed is known to relieve back aches and joint pain. 

• Thirdly, it is grown organically as an individual on trees or in clusters without using any chemical fertilizers.

Tandur Red Gram

Tandur red gram is a local variety of pigeon pea which is mainly grown in the rainfed tract of the Tandur and nearby region of Telangana. 

• Suitable Habitat: The specific quality traits of Tandur Red Gram has been attributed to the fertile deep black soil with huge deposits of Attapulgite clay mineral specifically in Tandur region along with huge limestone deposits.

• Significance: It contains about 22-24% protein, which is almost three times that of the protein content in cereals. 

• It has good taste, better cooking quality as well as enhanced storage quality.

• Benefit of GI Tag: Now with the GI tag and registration, individual farmers and dal mill owners of Tandur will have to register themselves as authorized users and start branding Tandur red gram with GI tag to get better prices as the tag is an assured symbol of quality.