
Unjha cumin and fennel now carry GI tags, giving Gujarat farmers a certified origin label that could lift export prices by 8-12% in key Gulf markets.
Unjha Cumin and Unjha Fennel received Geographical Indication tags, a move that strengthens their brand identity in global spice markets. The GI recognition gives these Gujarat-grown spices legal protection against imitation and opens clearer pricing channels for exporters.
Farmers in the Unjha region now have a certified origin label that commands a premium in markets where provenance drives price, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The tags also allow producer cooperatives to register as authorized sellers, cutting out intermediaries who previously blended Unjha spices with lower-grade stock.
Gujarat's agricultural department has pushed for GI tags on regional crops since 2020, with cumin and fennel joining a list that includes Gir Kesar mangoes and Kutch dates. The state accounts for roughly 70% of India's cumin output and about 60% of its fennel production, according to Spices Board India data.
Exporters said the certification could lift farm-gate prices by 8-12% within two seasons, assuming buyers in Dubai and London recognize the GI mark. The next step is a marketing push through India's agricultural attachés in key Gulf markets, scheduled for the October-December export window.
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