New Delhi, Mar 25 (KNN) The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has successfully exported the first consignment of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands.
This landmark transaction highlights India’s growing presence in the global organic agricultural market and demonstrates the increasing international demand for premium products from the North Eastern region.
Dalle Chilly, locally known as Fire Ball Chilly or Dalle Khursani, is a distinctive spice renowned for its exceptional pungency, vibrant red color, and remarkable nutritional profile.
With a Scoville Heat Units (SHU) rating ranging from 100,000 to 350,000, the chilly is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and potassium, making it highly sought after for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
The export initiative involved Mevedir, an agri-export enterprise, procuring approximately 15,000 kg of fresh Dalle Chilly from farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in South Sikkim’s Tinkitam and Tarku regions.
Farmers benefited from a premium pricing structure, receiving Rs 250-300 per kg compared to the standard Rs 180-200 per kg, underscoring the economic advantages of GI tagging and international trade.
Processing of the consignment took place at an APEDA-funded Integrated Pack House developed by the Department of Horticulture, Sikkim.
Of the total quantity, 9,000 kg was dehydrated, while 6,000 kg was reserved for further processing. The drying process yielded a 12.5% recovery rate, transforming 1,600 kg of fresh chillies into 200 kg of dried chillies for export.
The export initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the North East, which he has described as crucial to India’s sustainable future.
The GI tag, granted in 2020 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, represents more than mere recognition—it is a transformative opportunity for local farmers and artisans to access new markets.
The Government of India has been instrumental in promoting organic farming in the North East through the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) scheme.
This initiative has significantly enhanced the production and quality of organic Dalle Chilly, thereby increasing its international market appeal.
Mevedir directly supplied the first shipment to the Solomon Islands, a departure from previous indirect export routes.
The buyer was initially introduced to the product during its international debut in Singapore in 2023, subsequently seeking direct sourcing from the Indian supplier.
This export marks a potential turning point for Sikkim’s agricultural sector. With its favourable climate and fertile soil, the state is poised to become a key player in the global spice industry.
The successful transaction not only validates the growing global recognition of India’s organic agricultural products but also reinforces the country’s commitment to expanding its agri-export capabilities worldwide.
(KNN Bureau)
