Latest news with #GeographicalIndication
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Gujarat's mango exports cross 3,000 MT in five years; U.S., South Africa top importers
Mango cultivators in Gujarat have exported more than 3,000 metric tonnes of mangoes over the past five years, with 856 metric tonnes exported during 2024–25 alone, according to data released by the state government. These figures point to an increase in exports and a widening market for mangoes from Gujarat, including in countries such as the United States and South Africa. The state has 1.77 lakh hectares under mango cultivation, which accounts for 37% of Gujarat's total area under fruit and flower crops. Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel said that the Kesar mango continues to be in demand and is grown in multiple districts, including Talala Gir, which has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the variety. In addition to Talala Gir, the Kutch region has also seen an expansion in Kesar cultivation. Valsad district currently has the highest area under mango cultivation at 38,000 hectares, followed by Navsari with 34,800 hectares, Gir Somnath with 18,400 hectares, Kutch with 12,000 hectares, and Surat with 10,200 hectares. Other mango varieties grown in Gujarat include Alphonso, Rajapuri, Totapuri, and Sonpari. This year, 224 metric tonnes of Kesar mangoes were irradiated and exported through the Gujarat Agro Radiation Processing Facility at Bavla near Ahmedabad. This unit is Gujarat's first USDA-APHIS certified gamma irradiation facility and the fourth in India. Since its inception, the Bavla facility has processed and exported 805 metric tonnes of mangoes over five years. Earlier, farmers had to transport mangoes to Mumbai for irradiation, which led to higher costs and losses after harvest. With the Bavla unit, farmers now access this facility within the state, reducing travel costs and improving output handling. Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Ltd., under the state Agriculture Department, has also developed a pack house and a perishable air cargo complex in Ahmedabad district. These are aimed at improving the mango export infrastructure. With USDA-APHIS certification, all three units are now operational. They assist in handling mangoes and pomegranates, lower post-harvest losses, and support consistent export standards. Officials said these efforts are part of the government's larger plan to improve agricultural logistics and expand market access for fruit growers.
Hans India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Gujarat mango exports surpass 3,000 MT in five years, Kesar variety in high demand abroad
Ahmedabad: Gujarat's mango exports have steadily grown over the past five years, with the state exporting 856 metric tonnes in 2024–25, taking the total to more than 3,000 metric tonnes since 2019, government officials said on Monday. The mangoes have been shipped to several international markets, including the US and South Africa, with the Kesar variety drawing particular demand due to its distinct flavour and aroma, according to official information by the Gujarat government. According to state Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel, mango cultivation now covers around 1.77 lakh hectares in Gujarat, accounting for 37 per cent of the state's total fruit cultivation area. Major mango-producing districts include Valsad, Navsari, Gir Somnath, Kutch and Surat, with Valsad alone reporting more than 38,000 hectares under mango farming in 2024–25. The state's export process is supported by the Gujarat Agro Radiation Processing Facility in Bavla, near Ahmedabad. The unit handled 224 metric tonnes of irradiated Kesar mangoes this year and has processed a total of 805 metric tonnes over five years. Certified by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Bavla facility is Gujarat's first and India's fourth such unit. Before it became operational, farmers had to send their produce to Mumbai for irradiation, increasing transport costs and spoilage. The facility now allows mangoes to be processed, packed, and exported directly from Ahmedabad. It is part of a broader infrastructure push that includes an integrated pack house and a perishable air cargo terminal, all managed by the Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation. This setup has improved shelf life, reduced wastage, and cut costs for mango growers, contributing to a more efficient export pipeline. Mango farming is a significant horticultural activity in Gujarat, particularly in districts like Valsad, Navsari, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Bhavnagar. The state is known for its premium varieties, especially the Kesar mango from the Gir region, which has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. As of 2024, Gujarat cultivates mangoes on over 1.3 lakh hectares of land, producing more than 10 lakh metric tonnes annually. Around 75,000 to 80,000 farmers are engaged in mango cultivation across the state. The state government and agricultural universities offer support through schemes, training, and export facilitation.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Prada-Kolhapuri row: Luxury giant denies GI breach in Rs 500 crore legal dispute; calls them 'simple leather sandals'
NEW DELHI: Luxury fashion house Prada has denied violating the Geographical Indication (GI) rights associated with Kolhapuri chappals, after featuring sandals inspired by traditional Indian footwear in its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection in Milan. In response to a Rs 500 crore legal notice, Prada's legal team said it did not use the term 'Kolhapuri' or any related GI markings in the naming, marketing, or display of its sandals, ET reported. The notice was issued by LIDKAR, a government-backed body from Karnataka that co-owns the GI tag for Kolhapuri chappals. The notice claimed serious violations of GI rights, accusing Prada of "selling, advertising, marketing GI-registered goods-traditional and handmade leather sandals, granted GI tag under the name 'Kolhapuri chappals' jointly for artisans from Karnataka and Maharashtra-without proper authorisation or permission, which seriously violates GI rights of my client, which attracts civil and criminal offences". Prada's formal response dated July 9, stated the sandals were simply described as "leather sandals" and did not suggest any regional origin or adherence to traditional Kolhapuri techniques. "The sandals in question are broadly described as 'leather sandals' and there has been no suggestion, direct or indirect, that they originate from the GI-designated region or replicate the traditional Kolhapuri manufacturing technique," it said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep ResMed Buy Now Undo In a previous statement to ET on June 27, Prada had acknowledged drawing inspiration from Indian footwear but denied using the Kolhapuri name or methods. The company stated that it "acknowledges that sandals inspired by traditional Indian footwear made in specific districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka were featured in its men's 2026 Spring/Summer show in Milan". Indian GI legislation specialists said that design inspiration alone does not constitute infringement without explicit commercial use of the name or origin. "Borrowing the style without using the GI name in trade does not necessarily violate GI provisions," Priyanka Khimani, founder of an IP law firm told ET. "Unless Prada markets or sells these sandals using the word 'Kolhapuri' or implies a link to Kolhapur's craftsmanship, there is no legal recourse," Khimani added. LIDKAR authorities are currently assessing Prada's legal statement. Prada's legal representatives emphasised that the brand avoided using 'Kolhapuri' in any product-related communications. The fashion show occurred on June 22. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Sole searching: Who represents Kolhapuri slippers? Turf war breaks out
A turf war has broken out over the authority to represent the Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Kolhapuri slippers, amid the Prada spotlight. While one party has proposed collaboration with the Italian luxury fashion house, the other has threatened legal action and demanded damages. After showcasing a Kolhapuri-inspired sandal without acknowledging the source, Prada later admitted its oversight. It discussed the matter with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) and later, sent its supply chain team to India to explore a potential collaboration with local artisans. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Operations Management MBA Finance Public Policy Degree Project Management healthcare Product Management Leadership Data Science Cybersecurity Data Science Artificial Intelligence PGDM Design Thinking MCA others Technology Data Analytics Others CXO Management Digital Marketing Healthcare Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details However, the Karnataka government-backed Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR) approached the corporation's legal adviser to take action against MACCIA, accusing it of overstepping its authority in dealing with Prada, according to a copy of the letter seen by ET. A legal notice will be sent on Monday to the trade body, according to a senior official. Strong Stance The Karnataka body, on July 1, also served a legal notice to Prada, seeking ?500 crore in damages for GI infringement and ordering the company to 'cease and desist' from marketing or selling the sandals. The notice warned that failure to comply would compel LIDKAR to initiate civil and criminal proceedings. ET has seen a copy of the notice. In its response on July 9, Prada stated it had 'not used the term 'Kolhapuri' or any associated GI markings in the naming, marketing, or presentation of its footwear.' The company concluded the note by saying it was in discussions with MACCIA and would be 'in a better position to respond more substantively following the outcome of the upcoming discussions with the chamber of commerce.' Live Events LIDKAR managing director KM Vasundhara said the body has also issued notice to the chamber 'for their unilateral and unauthorised actions concerning the GI rights.' The body's stance is clear, she said. 'Any discussions regarding GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals must follow the legal framework and cannot be initiated independently by non-statutory bodies like MACCIA. Hence, legal recourse was taken to protect the interests of artisans and uphold GI laws.' This escalation is the latest in a series of confrontations between the trade chamber and the two GI tag holders— LIDKAR and Maharashtra's Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM). While MACCIA has taken the lead in engaging with Prada, including facilitating the brand's India visit, LIDKAR adopted the legal route. The chamber first wrote to Prada on June 25, setting the wheels in motion for the brand's visit to Kolhapur, where it toured production units and met with footwear artisans. But three days before MACCIA's virtual meeting with the international brand on July 11, the Karnataka body issued a notice, demanding it stop all negotiations and asserting MACCIA had 'no legal authority to represent, negotiate, or enter any agreement with Prada or any third party concerning Kolhapuri chappals, which are GI-protected under Indian law,' and for the chamber to 'refrain from all public and private negotiations, promotional activities, or discussions regarding Kolhapuri chappals,' according to a copy of the letter ET has seen. In its response on July 12, MACCIA proposed that both GI tag holders be 'formally introduced to the international brand as recognised producers and authorised stakeholders of the GI product,' and urged LIDKAR to reconsider its stance and 'join hands with MACCIA and the wider artisan community to collectively shape a framework that protects heritage while opening doors to responsible international engagement.' Prada's team has toured several local units with MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi—including one operated by LIDCOM—but senior officials from both GI tag holders were notably absent. Gandhi said the trade body's goal is 'empowerment of artisans and to get the market for Kolhapuri chappals at global level.' Prada is expected to provide its evaluation report internally and respond to the Maharashtra chamber next week.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Prada denies Kolhapuri GI violation in Rs 500 crore legal row
Prada has denied any infringement of the Geographical Indication (GI) for Kolhapuri chappals by featuring sandals inspired by the iconic traditional footwear at its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection. Responding to a legal notice, Prada's legal team said it has not used the term 'Kolhapuri' nor any associated GI markings in the naming, marketing, or presentation of its footwear at the menswear show held in Milan on June 22. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Operations Management Artificial Intelligence Project Management Management Design Thinking Technology CXO Finance Product Management Others Data Science Cybersecurity MCA Degree Public Policy others PGDM Data Science Healthcare Data Analytics healthcare Digital Marketing Leadership MBA Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details The legal notice was issued by Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd (LIDKAR), the government-backed body from Karnataka that holds joint ownership of the GI for Kolhapuri chappals. Sent on July 1, the notice accused Prada of "selling, advertising, marketing GI-registered goods-traditional and handmade leather sandals, granted GI tag under the name 'Kolhapuri chappals' jointly for artisans from Karnataka and Maharashtra-without proper authorisation or permission, which seriously violates GI rights of my client, which attracts civil and criminal offences". Live Events The notice sought ₹500 crore in damages. But in a formal reply dated July 9, Prada rejected the charge. "The sandals in question are broadly described as 'leather sandals' and there has been no suggestion, direct or indirect, that they originate from the GI-designated region or replicate the traditional Kolhapuri manufacturing technique," it said. In a carefully worded emailed response to ET on June 27, Prada had admitted to being inspired by traditional Indian footwear. It had said that it "acknowledges that sandals inspired by traditional Indian footwear made in specific districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka were featured in its men's 2026 Spring/Summer show in Milan". However, it said it did not use the term Kolhapuri or refer to using the same manufacturing techniques. ET reached out to Prada for comment on their legal response but did not receive a reply until press time. LIDKAR officials said they were evaluating a response to Prada. Legal experts say India's GI laws protect against unauthorised commercial use of a registered product's name or implied origin but not design mimicry alone. "Borrowing the style without using the GI name in trade does not necessarily violate GI provisions," said Priyanka Khimani, founder of an IP law firm. "Unless Prada markets or sells these sandals using the word 'Kolhapuri' or implies a link to Kolhapur's craftsmanship, there is no legal recourse."
