Key Facts about Purandar Figs

About Purandar figs:

• Purandar’s figs, known to be one of India’s finest figs, are a GI commodity, known for their sweet taste, size, and nutritional benefits. 
• It is cultivated in many villages of Purandar talukin Pune district, Maharashtra.
• The agro-climatic factors such as dry weather, hilly slopes,well drained medium land are essential for Purandar Fig cultivation.
• Purandar has red and black soil that has high Calcium and Potassium content, which is responsible for the violet colour and size of the fig.
• It was awarded the GI Tag in 2016.
• Features:
  • Purandar fig is bell-shaped, larger in size than other varieties, and has a distinctive violet skin colour that differentiates itself from other varieties.
  • It has more than 80 percentpulp or edible part.
  • The pulp colour is pinkish red and is highly nutritious.
  • It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals.

What is the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)?

• APEDA was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act of 1985.
• It works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Objective: To develop and promote the export of scheduled products.
• The products specified under the APEDA ACT are called scheduled products, and exporters of such scheduled products are required to register under APEDA.
• It provides financial assistance, information, and guidelines for the development of scheduled products.
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Functions:
  • Setting the standards and specifications for the scheduled products.
  • Registration of exporters of the scheduled products on payment of required fees.
  • Improving packaging and marketing of the Scheduled products.
  • Carrying out an inspection of products to ensure the quality of such products.
  • Training in various aspects of the industries connected with the scheduled products.
  • Development of industries relating to the scheduled products and undertaking surveys, feasibility studies, etc.
  • Collection of statistics from the owners of factories or establishments and publication of such statistics.
• Examples of scheduled products: Fruits, Vegetable, Meat,Poultry, Dairy Products, Confectionery, Biscuits, Bakery Products, Honey, Jaggery, etc.

Q1: What is a Geographical Indication Tag?

Geographical Indication Tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. This is typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts and industrial products. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India. This GI tag is valid for 10 years following which it can be renewed.

Source: India’s GI-tagged agro-product Figs juice exported first time to Poland