The indigenous variety of dates from Kutch, known as Kachchhi Desi Kharek, has recently been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the GI Registry. This recognition is expected to greatly boost the branding and export value of Kutchi dates, benefiting a large number of farmers in the region.
Kutch, located in the western part of Gujarat, is renowned for its date cultivation and contributes to 85% of India’s total date production. The GI tag ensures that Kutch dates will be recognized as a unique product originating from this specific geographical area.
The Unidates Farmer Producer Company Limited, a farmer producer organization (FPO) in Bhuj, played a crucial role in securing the GI tag for Kutchi dates. With the assistance of the Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University (SDAU), which runs the Dates Palm Research Station at Mundra in Kutch, the FPO submitted the application in June 2021.
According to C M Muralidharan, the director of research at SDAU, a total of 17 products were granted the GI tag on the same day, including the 500-year-old variety of Kutch dates. This prestigious tag will provide a distinct identity to Kutch dates, similar to the way Darjeeling is renowned for its tea. By associating the GI tag with their produce, the farmers of Kutch will have the opportunity to command premium prices and significantly boost export volumes.
However, to take advantage of the GI tag, farmers must become members of the FPO by applying for membership. A committee will assess the fruits grown by applicants on their respective farmlands and determine eligibility for membership. Once granted membership, farmers will be legally permitted to use the GI tag logo on their product packaging and marketing materials.
As highlighted by Kapil Sharma, an assistant research scientist at the Dates Palm Research Station, the unique taste of Kutch dates can be attributed to the local environment characterized by a combination of partial humidity, partial dry conditions, and proximity to the coastal belt. While dates are grown in other parts of Gujarat as well, the cultivation methods in Kutch, particularly the use of seeds, result in a diversity of flavors and textures.
Kutch boasts approximately 19,000 hectares of land dedicated to date cultivation, with an annual production of around 1.8 lakh tonne (180,000 metric tonnes) from 20 lakh (2 million) date trees. The date season typically begins on June 15 of each year. The majority of Kutch’s date production, about 80%, consists of Desi Kharek, with the remaining 20% being Barhi dates. The dates grown in Kutch are available in two colors, yellow and red.
Notably, the trees cultivated in Kutch exhibit exceptional tolerance to salinity, making them well-suited to the region’s arid and semi-arid conditions. This adaptability to extreme drought and heat conditions further contributes to the reputation of Kutch dates.
In conclusion, the grant of the GI tag to Kutchi dates is a significant milestone that will enhance the branding, export value, and market recognition of this indigenous variety. It will provide an opportunity for farmers to earn higher incomes and establish Kutch as a prominent hub for premium quality dates. With their unique taste and resilience, Kutch dates have the potential to capture the attention of domestic and international consumers, contributing to the growth of India’s agricultural exports in the future.
