India has exported first consignment of GI-certified Shahi Litchi from Bihar to United Kingdom by air route.

What is GI Tag?

Geographical indication (GI) tag is given to an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product such as handicraft and industrial goods which are originating from definite geographical territory. The tag provides an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially linked to place of its origin. It also helps growers to get premium price of product as no other producer can misuse name to sale similar goods.

Registered GIs

Darjeeling tea, Kangra paintings, Tirupati laddu, Nagpur orange and Kashmir pashmina are some of the examples of registered GIs in India.

About Shahi Litchi

Shahi litchi is an agricultural product from Bihar which got the GI Tag in 2018. It was the fourth agricultural product to get GI certification from Bihar in 2018. Other 3 products from Bihar with GI Tag are Magahi Paan, Jardalu mango and Katarni rice. GI registration for Shahi Litchi registered with Muzaffarpur-based Litchi Growers Association of Bihar.

Litchi Production in India

Bihar tops in production of litchi because it has a favourable climate. Litchi is produced in districts of Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Champaran, Samastipur, Begusarai and other adjoining areas. India is second largest producer of litchi in the world while China is first.