The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has successfully facilitated the first-ever export of GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands. This landmark achievement marks a significant boost for India’s organic agricultural exports and highlights the growing international demand for premium products from the North Eastern region.
15,000 kg of Dalle Chilly Exported, Boosting Farmer Incomes
Renowned for its intense pungency, vibrant red color, and high nutritional value, Dalle Chilly, also known as Fire Ball Chilly or Dalle Khursani, is a prized spice. With Scoville Heat Units (SHU) ranging from 100,000 to 350,000, it is valued for both culinary and medicinal uses.
As part of this export initiative, Mevedir, an agri-export enterprise, procured 15,000 kg of fresh Dalle Chilly from farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in South Sikkim, including Tinkitam and Tarku regions. The farmers received premium prices of ₹250-300 per kg, significantly higher than the usual ₹180-200 per kg, showcasing the economic benefits of GI-tagging and international trade.
Processing and Export Details
The consignment was processed at an APEDA-funded Integrated Pack House, developed by the Department of Horticulture, Sikkim. Of the total export volume:
- 9,000 kg was dehydrated for preservation.
- 6,000 kg was preserved for further processing and export.
- The drying process yielded a 12.5% recovery rate, with 1,600 kg of fresh chillies processed into 200 kg of dried chillies for export.
Government’s Role in Promoting GI Products
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that the North East holds the key to India’s sustainable agricultural future. He highlighted the GI tag as a transformative opportunity for farmers, unlocking new markets and boosting regional prosperity.
The Geographical Indication (GI) status for Dalle Chilly was granted in 2020 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), enhancing the product’s identity and marketability. The North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) played a key role in securing the GI registration, further strengthening its global appeal.
Organic Farming and Export Expansion
The Government of India has been actively promoting organic farming in the North East under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) scheme. This initiative, led by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, has improved the production quality of organic Dalle Chilly, making it more attractive for export markets.
Direct Export Boosts Sikkim’s Global Spice Presence
Unlike previous indirect export routes, this shipment was directly supplied by Mevedir to the Solomon Islands, reflecting the growing confidence in India’s organic supply chain. The buyer, introduced to the product during its international debut in Singapore in 2023, sought direct sourcing, highlighting the chilly’s rising global reputation.
Expanding Sikkim’s Global Spice Footprint
The successful export of GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly to the Solomon Islands is expected to:
- Strengthen Sikkim’s position on the global spice map.
- Open new avenues for international trade.
- Boost the income of local farmers and FPOs.
- Promote India’s organic agricultural products worldwide.
This milestone underscores India’s commitment to expanding its agri-exports and promoting the unique, high-quality produce from the North Eastern region in the global market.
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