From Sikkim to Solomon Islands: APEDA Facilitates First Consignment of GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly Export
Dalle Chilly, also known as Fire Ball Chilly or Dalle Khursani, is renowned for its intense pungency, bright red hue, and high nutritional value.
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In a significant boost to India's organic agricultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has successfully facilitated the first-ever consignment of GI-tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands. The move underscores India's growing presence in the global spice market and highlights the increasing international demand for premium North Eastern produce.
Dalle Chilly, also known as Fire Ball Chilly or Dalle Khursani, is renowned for its intense pungency, bright red hue, and high nutritional value. The spice, which boasts a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of 100,000 to 350,000, is widely sought after for its culinary and medicinal properties.
The export was spearheaded by Mevedir, a leading agri-export enterprise, which procured approximately 15,000 kg of fresh Dalle Chilly from farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in South Sikkim’s Tinkitam and Tarku regions. This initiative has significantly benefited local farmers, with prices soaring to Rs 250-300 per kg, compared to the previous Rs 180-200 per kg.
Processing of the consignment took place at an APEDA-funded Integrated Pack House, developed by the Department of Horticulture, Sikkim. Out of the total shipment, 9,000 kg was dehydrated, while 6,000 kg was preserved for further processing and export. The drying process yielded a 12.5% recovery rate, resulting in 200 kg of dried chillies for overseas markets.
This landmark export highlights the success of India's Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER), which promotes organic farming across the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously emphasized the transformative potential of GI tagging, recognizing it as a tool to unlock new markets and enhance economic opportunities for farmers and artisans.
The GI tag for Dalle Chilly was granted in 2020 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), bolstering its identity and marketability. Facilitated by the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), this certification has helped position Sikkim as a key player in the organic spice industry.
APEDA, in collaboration with the Agriculture Department of Sikkim and its Regional Office in Guwahati, played a crucial role in enabling direct export access. The buyer from the Solomon Islands discovered Dalle Chilly through its international debut in Singapore in 2023 and subsequently opted for direct sourcing from Mevedir, marking a shift from previous indirect trade routes.
