Meet Madhya Pradesh's Four Traditional Foodgrains That Have Earned Prestigious GI Tag
Madhya Pradesh has added four more unique agricultural products to the country's prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) registry. This has brought national recognition to traditional grains that have been cultivated for generations in the state's tribal regions. The new products awarded the GI tag include Sitahi Kutki, Nagdaman Kutki, Baigani Arhar (a purple-hued pigeon pea variety), and Kshatriya Dhan.
Each of these crops possesses a distinct identity and has long been an integral part of the agricultural traditions of the Mahakaushal region.
Sitahi Kutki
Sitahi Kutki, an indigenous variety of Little Millet, is particularly noted for its resilience against adverse weather conditions. It matures in just 60 days, thrives in rain-fed farming systems, and robustly withstands drought, moisture stress, pests, and diseases. Its adaptability allows farmers to cultivate it even in hilly terrains and on less fertile soils.
Currently, this crop is grown across more than 10,000 hectares in Dindori district, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 60,000 tribal farmers across Dindori, Mandla, Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria, Balaghat, Chhindwara, and parts of Jabalpur.
Nagdaman Kutki
Another traditional millet, Nagdaman Kutki, is native to Dindori and is renowned for its high nutritional value and medicinal properties. Preserved for generations by tribal communities, this variety is now expected to reach a wider market among health-conscious consumers.
Baigani Arhar
Baigani Arhar stands out due to the striking purple color of its plants and pods. Rich in protein and naturally resistant to various diseases, this variety can yield 15 to 20 quintals per hectare with proper crop management, proving to be both productive and profitable for farmers.
Kshatriya Dhan
The final name on this list is 'Kshatriya Dhan,' a traditional rice variety that reflects the region's rich agricultural heritage. Cultivated for generations, this variety embodies the indigenous knowledge and farming practices that continue to thrive in the tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh.
GI tag expected to enhance crops' market value
The GI tag provides legal protection to these products and establishes their identity as crops originating exclusively from specific geographical regions. More importantly, it is expected to enhance their market value, open doors to domestic and international markets, and ensure better prices for farmers' produce. This recognition is also anticipated to boost value addition, agro-processing, and exports, while simultaneously preserving traditional farming methods and biodiversity.
This achievement comes at a time when Madhya Pradesh is observing the 'Year of Farmers' Welfare' (Kisan Kalyan Varsh), and the state government is focusing on increasing farmers' income by promoting organic, natural, and traditional farming.
Previously, Sehore's Sharbati wheat and Rewa's Sundarja mango had also received GI tags, further strengthening the state's reputation for unique agricultural products.
New recognition to create fresh market opportunities
Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana welcomed this recognition and stated that efforts to secure GI status for other unique crops from Madhya Pradesh would continue. Officials from the Agriculture Department and the Mandi Board said that this new recognition would create fresh market opportunities, boost exports, and increase farmers' income, particularly in the Mahakaushal region.