Ladakh's Raktsey Karpo Apricot received its first Geographical Indication (GI). This coveted GI tag certification is valid for a period of twenty years. Raktsey Karpo Apricot was recently added to the GI tag lists, along with nine other items. Although Ladakh grows more than thirty types of Apricots, the Raktsey Karpo variety is unique to the region.
This Ladakh-exclusive apricot variety is unrivalled in sweetness and brightly coloured with white Kernel.
The Ladakhi apricot Raktsey Karpo has been granted its first Geographical Indication (GI). This highly desired GI tag accreditation is valid for 20 years. Raktsey Karpo Apricot, along with nine other items, was recently added to the GI tag lists.
Despite growing over thirty different apricot varieties, the Raktsey Karpo variety is unique to the Ladakh region. This Ladakh apricot variety is unrivalled in flavour and vibrant with white Kernel.
Among the other nine fruits that grow in Ladakh, apricot is a significant fruit that is grown extensively in both the Leh and Kargil Districts. In addition, apricot is being promoted as Kargil's One District One Product. It is found throughout Ladakh, with a concentration in Sham regions (lower Ladakh), including Dha-Hanu, Garkhon, Skurbuchan, Domkhar, Wanla, Khaltse, and Timosgang, as well as Kargil.
Following the creation of Ladakh as a Union Territory, a specialist committee was formed to recommend changes in Apricot farming in Ladakh.
Based on the reports and recommendations, the Horticulture Department has delegated responsibility for obtaining registration of the Raktsey Karpo Apricot under the Geographical Indication Tag to the Leh-based Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DRDO) on behalf of the Apricot farming community of Ladakh.
The product is marketed as a premium item among Ladakh's horticulture products. Sham Fruits and Vegetables Growers Marketing Society General Secretary Skarma Tokdan expressed satisfaction with the GI tag registration.
The central government boosted the GI tag following a series of export promotion programmes under the Ladakh Apricot brand through the Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority.