Darjeeling Mandarin Orange Secures GI Tag on November 24, 2025, Boosting Farmers and Heritage

Key facts

• The 'Darjeeling Mandarin Orange' has officially been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• The GI status was formalised by the GI Registry on November 24, 2025.
• Darjeeling Organic Farmers Producer Organisation (DOFPO) is the registered proprietor for the Darjeeling Mandarin Orange GI tag.
• Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (UBKV) and Patent Information Centre (PIC) acted as facilitators for the application process.
• The Darjeeling Mandarin Orange (Citrus reticulata Blanco) is the second product from its region, after Dalley Khorsani, to earn GI recognition.
• The local name for the Darjeeling Mandarin Orange in the hills is 'suntala'.
• The fruit is grown in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.
• Darjeeling Member of Parliament (MP) Raju Bista, a BJP MP, expressed happiness over the GI recognition.
• The Patent Information Centre (PIC) is part of the West Bengal State Council of Science and Technology (WBSCS&T).