Madhya Pradesh: Burhanpur Banana Receives Prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

The famous banana of Burhanpur district in Madhya Pradesh has recently been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. With this recognition, Burhanpur banana becomes a distinct product on both national and international levels, representing a historic milestone for the state's agricultural sector and banana-growing farmers.

• First GI-tagged Banana from MP: This is the first banana variety in Madhya Pradesh to be awarded the prestigious GI status.
• High Cultivation Area: Bananas are cultivated across approximately 26,000 hectares in Burhanpur, supporting more than 18,000 local farmers.
• One District One Product (ODOP): Burhanpur district is already selected for banana crop under the central government's ODOP scheme.
• Distinct Attributes: The banana's sweet flavor, high quality, attractive yellow shade, and long shelf life drive strong demand in both domestic and foreign markets.

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into effect on September 15, 2003. It is administered by the GI Registry located in Chennai. Benefits of receiving a GI tag include legal protection against unauthorized products, higher market prices for producers, and enhanced global branding.

• State: Madhya Pradesh (Burhanpur District)
• Processing Units: More than 55 processing units in the district producing banana chips, powder, and banana fiber-based products.
• Other GI Bananas: Jalgaon Banana (MH), Sirumalai Banana (TN), Poovan Banana (TN), Kamalapur Red Banana (KA), Nanjangud Banana (KA).
• Other MP GI Tags: Chanderi Saree (Ashoknagar), Maheshwari Saree (Khargone), Bagh Print (Dhar), Ratlami Sev (Ratlam), Kadaknath Chicken (Jhabua), Chinnour Rice (Balaghat).