Unjha's celebrated cumin and fennel have been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tags by the Geographical Indications Registry of the Central government, giving two of Gujarat's most economically significant spices official protected status in domestic and international markets. The certification, issued under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, applies to produce grown in and associated with the Unjha region of North Gujarat, one of India's largest spice trading hubs.

What the GI Tag Means for Unjha

A GI tag is granted to products whose quality, reputation, or characteristics are intrinsically linked to a specific geographical origin. For Unjha cumin and fennel, the certification provides legal protection against misuse of the product name, enforces quality standards, and curbs the circulation of counterfeit goods bearing the Unjha identity.

According to experts cited by the state government, GI-tagged agricultural products can command market prices 20 to 30 per cent higher than comparable non-GI products — a premium that is expected to directly improve farmer incomes and strengthen the local agricultural economy.

What the Government Said

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel described the recognition as consistent with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Vocal for Local' and 'Local to Global' vision. 'The GI tag awarded to Unjha cumin and fennel is a significant achievement towards realising the vision of taking products from villages to global markets. This is not merely a government certification, but a recognition of the tireless efforts of our farmers, the quality of our agricultural produce, the trust of traders and Unjha's rich agricultural tradition. It will give both products a distinct identity in the global market, establish them as unique brands and further strengthen the global reputation of Gujarat's agricultural produce,' Patel said.

Unjha APMC chairman Dinesh Patel called the development a landmark for the region's farming and spice trade. 'The GI tag awarded to Unjha cumin and fennel is a historic achievement for the farmers of Unjha and the spice trade. It will further strengthen the authenticity and market credibility of both products. Their demand and acceptance at the global level will increase, providing farmers with better prices while creating new opportunities for exports and value addition,' he said.

How the Application Was Built

The GI application was a multi-institutional effort, prepared jointly by the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Unjha; the Central government; the state government's Horticulture and Farmers Welfare Department; Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University; and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, Gujarat. The collaborative process reflects growing institutional coordination around protecting India's agricultural heritage.

Gujarat's Expanding GI Portfolio

With this addition, Gujarat's roster of GI-recognised agricultural products now includes Gir Kesar mango, Bhalia wheat, Kutchi Kharek, Amlasadi Chikoo, and now Unjha cumin and fennel. More than 400 products are currently registered under India's GI Registry across all categories. Notably, each new GI addition strengthens the broader 'Brand Gujarat' narrative in agricultural exports — a priority the state government has consistently pursued over the past decade.

The certification is expected to open new export corridors, attract value-addition investment, and give Unjha's farming community a firmer footing in global spice markets going forward.