Jabalpuri Matar (peas) and Jabalpur Singhada (water chestnut) have been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the GI Registry in Chennai, government officials confirmed on Friday, 26 June. In a historic first for Indian agriculture, Jabalpur becomes the only region in the country where both peas and singhada have received official GI protection simultaneously.

A Historic First for Indian Agriculture

The GI tag, granted following an application by Maikalsuta Farmer Producer Company Limited based in Jabalpur, has been formally published in the GI Registry's journal — conferring legal protection on both crops at national and international levels. Agricultural experts and horticulture officials have described the dual recognition as groundbreaking, noting that no other Indian region had previously secured GI status for either of these crops.

Jabalpuri Matar was already part of the Centre's One District-One Product (ODOP) scheme, which had elevated its profile among traders and buyers. The GI tag now adds a formal layer of authentication, reinforcing its brand value and origin-linked identity.

What Makes Jabalpur's Produce Distinctive

Agricultural experts attribute the exceptional quality, flavour, and productivity of both crops to the Narmada Valley's nutrient-rich soils and unique microclimate. The fertile alluvial land nourished by the Narmada river creates growing conditions that are difficult to replicate elsewhere — a key criterion for GI certification.

For years, Jabalpuri peas and singhada have commanded strong demand not only within Madhya Pradesh but also across other states, owing to their superior taste and consistent quality. The GI tag now provides legal backing to that reputation, shielding producers from imitation and misrepresentation.

Impact on Farmers and Local Economy

Experts believe the certification will encourage traders — domestic and international — to offer premium prices to farmers, directly boosting rural incomes. The GI tag is also expected to unlock fresh export opportunities and improve market visibility for Jabalpur's growers.

Local agricultural bodies anticipate that the recognition will incentivise more farmers to adopt scientific cultivation methods, preserve traditional crop varieties, and invest in value addition. Broader benefits, they say, could include growth in agro-tourism and the positioning of Jabalpur as a hub for high-value, geographically authenticated produce.

What Comes Next

Farmers and stakeholders across the region have welcomed the development, viewing it as a transformative step toward sustainable agricultural growth and global recognition. With the GI Registry publication now complete, producers can begin leveraging the tag in domestic and export markets. The recognition places Jabalpur prominently on India's agricultural map and sets a precedent for other regions seeking GI protection for horticultural crops.