Centre Grants GI Tag to Nagauri Ashwagandha

The Centre has granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to ‘Nagauri Ashwagandha’, giving Nagaur district of Rajasthan a distinct global agricultural identity. The recognition marks a historic milestone for farmers of the Marwar region and becomes Rajasthan’s second major achievement in the agricultural category after Sojat Mehendi.

Boost to Nagaur’s Agricultural Branding

The GI tag positions Nagaur as a recognised hub for high-quality medicinal crops. Experts state that the tag will protect the authenticity of Nagauri Ashwagandha, prevent misuse of its name in international markets, and significantly enhance export potential. It is expected to improve farmers’ incomes by ensuring premium pricing and market security for the produce.

Scientific Basis for GI Recognition

Agricultural experts highlight that Nagaur’s dry climate and sandy soil are ideally suited for Ashwagandha cultivation. Compared to other regions, Nagauri Ashwagandha has longer and thicker roots rich in medicinal alkaloids. Its berries are known for their dark, bright red colour, a key indicator of superior quality. These unique agro-climatic features formed the basis for granting GI status.

Impact on Farmers and Medicinal Crop Sector

Dr Vikas Pawadiya, Assistant Professor at Nagaur Agriculture College, described the GI tag as the Centre’s final approval of the crop’s purity and quality. The recognition is expected to encourage innovation, research, and youth participation in medicinal farming. With legal protection in place, adulteration will be curbed, middlemen reduced, and farmers will gain direct access to international pharmaceutical and Ayurvedic companies.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• GI tag provides legal protection to products with unique geographical identity.
• Nagauri Ashwagandha is Rajasthan’s second GI-tagged agricultural product.
• Ashwagandha is a key medicinal plant used in Ayurveda.
• GI registration helps prevent adulteration and misuse of product names.

Wider Significance and GI Landscape of Rajasthan

The achievement is credited to grassroots efforts led by Parvati Chaudhary of the Nagauri Welfare Society, with technical support from ICAR Anand and the State Agriculture Department. With this addition, Rajasthan now has 22 GI-certified products, including Bikaneri Bhujia, Makrana Marble, and Kota Doria. Ashwagandha is cultivated on around 5,000 hectares across India, producing nearly 1,600 tonnes, with Nagaur contributing a substantial share, reinforcing its growing importance in India’s medicinal crop economy.