Agricultural Milestone: Meet 12 horticultural produces of MP that got GI Tags simultaneously, how horticulture cultivation area will expand in state?
Madhya Pradesh has made a history by successfully securing Geographical Indication (GI) Tags for 12 horticultural produces at the same time. This is the first instance in India where such a large number of horticultural produces have received GI recognition simultaneously.
The produces include: Kumbhraj Coriander (Guna), Barman Ghat Brinjal (Narsinghpur), Gajariya Mango (Betul), Khargone Red Chilli, Khurasani Tamarind (Mandu), Jabalpur Green Peas, Seoni Custard Apple, Malvi Potato, Malvi Garadu (Purple Yam), Narsinghpur Jaggery, Jabalpur Water Chestnut (Singhara), Noorjahan Mango (Alirajpur), Burhanpur Banana, Indori Jeeravan Spice Blend, Sailana Balam Cucumber (Ratlam), Chhatarpur Betel Leaf (Paan).
In addition, proposals have been submitted to obtain GI Tags for the following produces - Ujjain Tamarind, Achari Mango (Alirajpur), Malwa White Onion, Jhabua Dal Paniya, Mandsaur Indigenous Cumin, Burhanpur Jalebi, Khirni (Ashoknagar). This marks a significant achievement when the state is observing Kisan Kalyan Varsha.
CM urges farmers to diversify into horticulture cultivation
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has urged farmers to diversify into horticulture cultivation as part of the state's efforts to double farmers' income. Currently, horticultural crops are cultivated on approximately 28 lakh hectares, and a roadmap has been prepared to expand this area to 30 lakh hectares by 2030.
Kumbhraj Coriander (Guna)
Kumbhraj Coriander has been cultivated in Guna district for nearly 60 years. The crop matures in 85–90 days and yields approximately 12–15 quintals per hectare. It contains 0.40–0.50% volatile oil, which gives it its distinctive aroma and mild sweetness.
The coriander is exported from Guna to international markets. Compared with other coriander varieties, Kumbhraj Coriander has a stronger flavour, bright green colour, superior grain size, and excellent fragrance. Guna alone produces around 32,000 metric tonnes annually, accounting for 20–25% of India's total coriander production.
Barman Brinjal
Brinjal grown in the sandy soils along the Narmada River is renowned for its distinctive taste. Consumers from outside the region specifically seek this variety in markets. Experts attribute its unique flavour to the relatively low temperatures prevailing along the Narmada riverbanks.
Gajariya Mango (Betul)
Betul district is home to several historic forts—including Khedla, Bhawargarh, Sawligarh, Shergarh, and Asirgarh—dating back over 500 years, reflecting the region's importance during the Gond kingdom.
Mango is one of India's most widely cultivated fruits. Besides fresh consumption, it is processed into a variety of products such as pickles, dried mango powder (amchur), squash, juice, syrup, jam, and fruit leather. However, many orchards have been established using unscientific methods, resulting in relatively low productivity.
Khargone Red Chilli
Red chilli is one of Khargone district's most important cash crops. The area under chilli cultivation and production has steadily increased over the years. One of India's largest chilli markets is located at Bedia near Sanawad in Khargone district.
The Nimar and Malwa regions are among Madhya Pradesh's leading chilli-producing areas, and their red chillies are exported to countries including China, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.
Khurasani Tamarind (Mandu)
Mandu's unique environment has nurtured many historical and botanical treasures. One such example is the Baobab tree, native to Africa's arid regions. It was reportedly brought to Mandu during the 14th century under the reign of Mahmud Khilji and came to be known as Khurasani Tamarind, also called Mandavi Tamarind.
The tree has a striking appearance, often described as looking like it has been planted upside down, with its thick trunk resembling exposed roots. Its leaves emerge only during the monsoon season.
Seoni Custard Apple
Custard apple is cultivated on 656 hectares in Seoni district, producing over 6,500 metric tonnes annually. The fruit typically weighs 600–700 grams, earning it the name Jumbo Custard Apple. Its distinctive size and flavour have made it popular across Madhya Pradesh and other parts of India.
Malvi Potato
Indian potatoes meet international standards in disease resistance, size, shape, skin quality, and colour. Processing further enhances their economic value.
Madhya Pradesh is India's fifth-largest potato-producing state, contributing 6.68% of national production. Between 2014–15 and 2018–19, the state's average annual production was 3,225.95 thousand tonnes. Among the state's agro-climatic regions, the Malwa region plays a particularly significant role in potato production.
Jabalpur Green Peas
Green peas are one of Jabalpur's most popular vegetables and a major rabi crop. They are highly nutritious, containing substantial amounts of protein, fibre, and antioxidants.
The crop matures within 40–60 days. During 2018–19, green peas were cultivated on 31,360 hectares in the district, producing approximately 52,500 tonnes.
Malvi Garadu
Garadu ( Dioscorea alata), commonly known as purple yam, is one of the Malwa region's most important traditional crops. Although several yam species exist, Garadu is the only one extensively cultivated and consumed in Malwa.
The Malwa Plateau is regarded as the centre of origin of this variety. Garadu is used extensively in both traditional and modern sweet dishes and remains an important seasonal delicacy.
Narsinghpur Jaggery
India is the world's largest jaggery producer, accounting for nearly 58% of global production. Madhya Pradesh contributes approximately 6% of the country's jaggery output, with Narsinghpur district being especially well known for its jaggery industry.
The district's black cotton soil contains 60–65% clay, has high water-retention capacity, and is highly suitable for sugarcane cultivation. Approximately 65% of Madhya Pradesh's sugarcane area (around 75,000 hectares) is located in Narsinghpur, earning it the nickname "Sugar Bowl of Madhya Pradesh."
Although the district has 9–10 sugar mills with capacities of 2,500–3,000 tonnes of cane per day, many farmers are increasingly focusing on jaggery production as an entrepreneurial opportunity.
Jabalpur Water Chestnut (Singhara)
Water chestnut cultivation requires about seven months. The plant takes four months to reach maturity and another three months to bear fruit.
Sowing begins during May–June in small ponds or water bodies. After about a month, the vines are transplanted into larger ponds. Harvesting takes place during December–January.
Approximately 4,500 farmers in Jabalpur, Satna, and neighbouring districts cultivate water chestnuts. Fresh water chestnuts contain around 80% water, 52% starch, 1.87% protein, and 7–8% total soluble solids (TSS).
Noorjahan Mango
Katthiwada in Madhya Pradesh is known for its natural beauty and has recently gained popularity on social media for its unique Noorjahan Mango.
The fruits typically weigh 3–3.5 kilograms and can grow up to one foot in length. Growers believe the variety was introduced centuries ago from Afghanistan, passing through Gujarat before reaching Madhya Pradesh. Although several growers cultivate the variety, the best-known fruits are produced by the Noorjahan Mango Farms.