Q. Kachchhi Kharek (dates), which has recently received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, belongs to which state?
Answer:
Gujarat
Notes: Kachchhi Kharek, the indigenous date variety of Kutch, secures Gujarat's second Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Dating back 400-500 years in Kachchh, the palms likely originated from seeds tossed by settlers returning from Haj in the Middle East. Harvested at the khalal stage, Kutch dates, known for salinity tolerance, commence their season on June 15. Uniquely, Kutch is the sole global hub for economically cultivating, marketing, and consuming fresh dates, hosting over two million palms, contributing to 85% of India's total date palm cultivation.