Sirsa Kinnow Secures Prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Jyoti Rathi - Kolkata Bureau Jul 03, 2026 2,200 Views

The Sirsa kinnow has become Haryana's first fruit to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This recognition honors the fruit's unique sweetness and quality, achieved through a decade of scientific farming at the Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence. The tag protects the brand from imitation, boosting market value and export potential.

Haryana’s citrus industry receives a major boost as the state’s first fruit variety earns official recognition, promising higher market value and protection against imitation.

SIRSA, Haryana — The renowned 'Sirsa kinnow' has been officially awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a landmark achievement for Haryana’s horticultural sector. The certification, granted on June 17, 2026, distinguishes the fruit as the first variety from the state to receive this prestigious national recognition.

The GI tag serves as a formal acknowledgement of the unique quality and characteristics of the kinnow grown in the Sirsa district, including its sweetness, juiciness, and larger size compared to similar varieties produced in other regions. This recognition is the result of a decade of intensive scientific farming practices promoted through the Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence located in Mangiana village.

A Decade of Agricultural Innovation

The path to this certification began with the adoption of advanced agricultural techniques by local farmers, facilitated by Israeli and Indian experts. Since 2013, the Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence has been a hub for training growers in modern cultivation methods.

According to Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Deputy Director of Horticulture and in-charge of the centre, the transition to scientific farming has been transformative. Growers have moved away from traditional methods to embrace high-density plantation, drip irrigation, fertigation, and precise nutrient management. These practices have not only improved the quality of the fruit but have also significantly increased yields, establishing Sirsa as the largest kinnow-producing district in Haryana.

Economic Impact and Market Potential

The GI recognition is expected to provide substantial economic benefits to the farming community. By providing the fruit with a distinct legal identity, the GI tag protects the 'Sirsa kinnow' from imitation and unauthorized branding.

Horticulture and agriculture expert Gurjeet Singh Maan noted that this formal status will enhance the brand value of the fruit in both domestic and international markets. With kinnow orchards currently spanning over 13,000 hectares in the district and an annual production of approximately 1.82 lakh metric tonnes, the certification provides growers with a stronger platform to command better prices and explore wider export opportunities.

Official Sources

The application for the GI tag was spearheaded by the state’s Horticulture Department, in coordination with the Farmer Producer Organisation of Khari Sureran village. District Horticulture Officer Deen Mohammad confirmed that the distinct physical and flavor profile of the Sirsa-grown fruit was central to its successful application, reinforcing its status as a premium product.

"The GI tag grants the fruit a unique identity, protects it against imitation, and is expected to significantly enhance its market value and potential for international export," stated local agricultural authorities.

Key Facts at a Glance

First for Haryana: Sirsa kinnow is the first fruit from the state to be awarded a GI tag.
Grant Date: The Geographical Indication tag was officially granted on June 17, 2026.
Production Scale: Sirsa district covers 13,106 hectares of kinnow orchards, yielding 1.82 lakh metric tonnes annually.
Scientific Backing: Success is attributed to the Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence at Mangiana, which introduced drip irrigation and high-density planting techniques.

FAQ

What does the GI tag mean for Sirsa kinnow?

The GI tag acts as a legal trademark, ensuring that only kinnow produced in the specified region of Sirsa can be sold under this name, protecting the brand from counterfeit products.

Why is Sirsa kinnow considered unique?

According to horticulture experts, Sirsa kinnow is characterized by its superior sweetness, juiciness, and larger physical size, which distinguish it from kinnow grown in other regions.

How will this affect farmers?

Farmers are expected to benefit from increased brand recognition, reduced competition from lower-quality imitations, and potentially higher returns in both local and global markets.

Source: The Tribune, Rashtriya Ujala