Darjeeling Orange gets GI recognition

The famed Darjeeling Mandarin Orange has officially been granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a major milestone for the hill region’s agricultural heritage and economy. The recognition, formalised by the GI Registry on November 24, 2025, is expected to revive the declining cultivation of the fruit and open new market opportunities for farmers in Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

The GI tag has been registered under the Darjeeling Organic Farmers Producer Organisation (DOFPO) as the proprietor, while Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (UBKV) and the Patent Information Centre (PIC) assisted in the application process. Officials said that the next phase involves registering all individual growers across Darjeeling and Kalimpong as ‘Authorised Users.’ This step is crucial to ensure farmers can legally use the GI label and receive proper value for their produce in both national and global markets.

Cultivation of Darjeeling Mandarin oranges has declined over the past 15 years due to virus( Citrus Tristeza virus) infections and pest(Aphids, Fruit flies) attacks, affecting farmers’ livelihoods. The GI status is now being seen as a lifeline that could restore interest, investment and better farming practices.

The fruit, locally known as ‘suntala,’ has long been part of the region’s cultural identity and economy. Its unique sweetness, aroma and flavour are attributed to the cool climate and rich soil of the misty hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong qualities that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Welcoming the recognition, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista expressed his happiness and congratulated all the stakeholders involved, including DOFPO, PIC of the West Bengal State Council of Science and Technology (WBSCS&T), and UBKV. He said their dedicated efforts have helped give the iconic Darjeeling Mandarin Orange its rightful place alongside other GI-tagged products from the region.

Bista highlighted that this is the second GI recognition for the hills after Dalley Khorsani, a famous chilli found mainly in the hills of Darjeeling and Sikkim, another famous local product. He noted that the GI tag would boost authenticity, protect the Darjeeling brand from misuse, and increase market value for genuine produce. The certification is also expected to attract premium national and international buyers, ultimately benefiting farmers who often face unfair pricing and competition from low-quality imitations.

He said the new status would encourage young people to take up cultivation again and could lead to advancements in farming technology and quality control. With greater recognition, farmers may also receive government and private investment support, helping them overcome challenges related to pests and climate change.

The MP further expressed hope that several other local products such as cardamom, ginger, iskus, plum, rayo-ko-saag, garendal (passion fruit), masem ko daal, bhadrase, pineapple, and kaulo would soon be considered for GI tagging. Such recognition, he said, would uplift the agricultural landscape of the region and ensure long-term benefits for its rural communities.