Indori Malwi Potato Receives Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Key Facts

• Indori Malwi potato received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag on 13 June 2026 from the Registrar of Geographical Indications, Chennai.
• It is among 12 agricultural products from Madhya Pradesh that received GI certification out of 18 proposed items.
• The potato is cultivated over an area of approximately 45,000 hectares in Indore district by around 30,000 to 35,000 farmers.
• It is characterized by low sugar and starch content and retains a white color after frying.
• Extensively used for making chips, French fries, and local street food items such as Aloo Chaat, Poha, Aloo Bada, and Khopra Petis.
• Major food and agro-industrial companies like ITC, Mahindra, PepsiCo, Balaji, McCain, and Hyfun Seeds procure this potato from local farmers.
• Other Madhya Pradesh products receiving GI certification include garadu tuber and balam cucumber from Ratlam district.
• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 governs the GI tagging process in India, administered through the GI Registry office in Chennai.

Background & Context

A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is an intellectual property right that identifies goods originating from a specific locality, possessing unique qualities, reputation, or characteristics essentially attributable to their geographical origin. India’s GI registration system is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, implemented from September 2003. The GI tag ensures legal protection and helps in preventing unauthorized use of the product name.

The Indori Malwi potato’s distinct features, mainly its low sugar and low starch content, contribute to its suitability for specific culinary uses, especially in fried forms where it retains a white color. The GI recognition helps protect the interests of farmers and promotes regional heritage and economic upliftment.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

The topic of Geographical Indications is significant for both UPSC Prelims and Mains exams as part of Indian geography, intellectual property rights, and agriculture sectors. Understanding the definition, significance, governing legislation, and examples like the Indori Malwi potato aids in answering questions on regional products and their economic implications. Madhya Pradesh’s contribution with 12 GI-tagged agricultural products is also relevant for current affairs and economy-related questions.

Points to Remember

• The GI tag is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• Indori Malwi potato holds unique attributes such as low sugar and starch levels and white color retention after frying.
• Cultivation span: about 45,000 hectares in Indore district with 30,000–35,000 farmers involved.
• Essential ingredient in popular street foods of Indore city.
• Madhya Pradesh secured GI certification for 12 out of 18 proposed products, marking a significant state contribution.
• GI tagging helps in legal protection, economic upliftment, and preservation of traditional products.
• GI Registry office is located in Chennai and manages GI registrations.