Geographical indication (GI) of Kesar Mango: A pride of Saurashtra region

Mango is the leading fruit crop of India and it possesses wide genetic diversity with more than 1000 varieties including landraces, indigenous, released and hybrids. The important commercial landraces like Kesar, Alphonso, Dasheri, Langra, Chausa, Fazali, Pairy, Dadmiyo, Totapuri, Rajapuri, Jamadar, Dudhpendo, Khodi, etc. are prominent in India. Among all the varieties and land races, Kesar is considered as a royal variety of mango. It has engrossing history connecting rulers of two state viz., Junagadh and Mangrol during the Nawab Era in Gujarat. It's history is closely associated with Girnar, the village Vanthali near to Junagadh and located in Gir forest; hence, it is also known as Gir Kesar. The name ‘Kesar’, meaning saffron in Gujarati, has been attributed due to the saffron colored pulp and distinct flavor. The area under cultivation of Kesar mango is increasing day by day in Gujarat and Maharashtra due to its increasing popularity. Kesar is replacing the other varieties of mango in the country. The productivity of Kesar is also notable which is about 7.5 to 8.0 t ha⁻¹, the fruits with chiseled and pleasant characteristics. It is tree is medium sized with vigorous and spreading habit and is regular in bearing. The fruits mature during April-May and their keeping quality is around 15–20 days. The fruits have unique and excellent characteristics like oblong shape, 250–300 g weight with small beak, deep green to yellow skin colour with pink spot on shoulder, saffron colored pulp (69%) with no fibre and flat stone (18%). The juice is semi solid, excellent sweet test with good aroma. Skin is medium thick about 13% of total fruit weight. The biochemical parameters like TSS (18–22 ^oB), acidity (0.25–0.27%), Vitamin A (42.0 IU), Vitamin-C (42–48 mg 100 g⁻¹) and total sugar (12–13%) were recorded. The sugar/acid blend of pulp is excellent, hence the fruit is also suitable for table purpose. Due to its distinctive and naturally occurring organoleptic values which have won the patronage and recognition of discerning consumers to all over India and many corners of the world. Recently, the Geographical Indication (GI) Registration No.185 had been granted by the Registrar of Geographical Indication, Government of India, Chennai. This was achieved due to collaborative efforts of Gujarat Agro Industrial Corporation, Government of Gujarat, Ahmedabad and Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh. This is the first Geographical Indication (GI) granted to a fruit crop in Gujarat.