Ladakh has got its first-ever Geographical Indication (GI) tag to its Raktsey Karpo Apricot. The coveted GI tag certification is for 20 years.
Raktsey Karpo Apricot is one of the nine items recently registered in the GI tag lists. Although Ladakh grows more than thirty types of apricot, the Raktsey Karpo variety is unique to the region.
This Ladakh-exclusive variety is matchless in sweetness and colourful with a white kernel.
After the formation of Ladakh as a Union Territory, an expert committee was formed to recommend steps for improvement in apricot farming in Ladakh.
Based on the reports and recommendations, the Horticulture Department entrusted the responsibility of getting registration of the Raktsey Karpo Apricot under the GI tag to the Leh-based Defence Institute of High Altitude Research of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on behalf of the apricot farming community of Ladakh.
Raktsey Karpo Apricot is sold as a premium product of Ladakh.
Apricot is the major fruit of Ladakh with large-scale cultivation in both Leh and Kargil districts among the nine fruits grown in Ladakh.
It is also being promoted under One District One Product (ODOP) for Kargil.
Sham Fruits and Vegetables Growers Marketing Society General Secretary Skarma Tokdan welcomed the GI tag decision.
GI tag by the Centre comes after a series of export promotion programmes under the 'Ladakh Apricot' brand through the Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority, popularly known by its abbreviation APEDA.