The Consignment Marks an Important Step in Expanding Global Market Access for Karnataka’s GI-Tagged Tur Dal
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the flag-off of a 1 MT consignment of GI-tagged Gulbarga Tur Dal from Karnataka to the Maldives on 24th September, marking an important step towards expanding international markets for India’s GI-tagged agricultural products and strengthening the participation of FPO-led brands in agri exports.
A key feature of the consignment is the improved price realisation for farmers through the export value chain. While the prevailing market price is ₹60 per kg, the farmer realisation through this export-linked channel is ₹82 per kg, representing more than 30 % higher realisation for the farmer. The initiative also provides an opportunity for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to participate more closely in export-oriented value chains and connect producers with international markets. This demonstrates the potential of organised export channels to improve market access and value realisation for farmers.
The export is expected to pave the way for regular shipments of Gulbarga Tur Dal to the Maldives, creating sustained market opportunities for producers and exporters from Karnataka. The initiative will strengthen market linkages, support greater value realisation for farmers and enable FPOs and farmers to integrate more closely with export-oriented value chains, while further expanding the presence of Karnataka’s GI-tagged agricultural products in international markets.
Gulbarga Tur Dal, associated with the Kalaburagi region of Karnataka, received the Geographical Indication (GI) registration in 2019. The product is recognised for its distinctive taste and quality and forms an important part of the agricultural economy of the region. APEDA lists Gulbarga Tur Dal among Karnataka’s registered GI products.
Karnataka is one of India’s major agricultural states with pulses playing an important role in its dryland agriculture and rural economy. Kalaburagi is one of the major centres of tur cultivation and production in the state and Gulbarga Tur Dal represents the region’s distinctive agricultural identity.
The flag-off was graced by Shri Abhishek Dev, IAS, Chairman, APEDA. The event was attended by senior APEDA officers and industry representatives, including Dr. Tarun Bajaj, Senior Consultant, APEDA; Smt. Vinita Sudhanshu, General Manager, APEDA; Shri V. Sadashiva, Managing Director, KSPAML, Gulbarga; and Shri Imran Pasha of M/s Silken Global Exports and Imports, Mysuru. The consignment, exported by M/s Silken Global Exports and Imports, Mysuru, through its FPO-led brand will be transported to the Maldives by sea.
Shri 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 of Gulbarga Tur Dal to the Maldives provides an opportunity to build the product’s global identity while opening avenues for further market expansion.
The export to the Maldives provides an opportunity to expand the international market for Gulbarga Tur Dal while creating greater market access for farmers and other stakeholders across the value chain. The initiative is also aligned with APEDA’s efforts to facilitate exports of GI-tagged and other value-added agricultural products to international markets. The consignment also reflects the growing scope for promoting region-specific agricultural products through international trade.
