Darjeeling: The iconic Darjeeling Mandarin Orange has been officially awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, an official confirmed on Monday. The GI Registry granted the status on November 24, 2025, with the Darjeeling Organic Farmers Producer Organisation (DOFPO) recognised as the registered proprietor. Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (UBKV) and PIC facilitated the application process.
Officials said the GI tag is expected to play a crucial role in reviving mandarin cultivation, which has suffered major setbacks over the last 15 years due to widespread virus infections and pest attacks. The fruit has long been integral to the region’s cultural identity and rural economy.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista welcomed the recognition, noting that this is the second product from the region—after Dalley Khorsani—to secure a GI tag. He said the certification honours the distinct sweetness, aroma and flavour of the locally known “suntala”, grown exclusively in the cool, mist-covered hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. The unique climate and soil composition give the fruit its unmatched quality.
Bista added that efforts are underway to bring more hill products, including cardamom, ginger, iskus, plum, rayo-ko-saag, passion fruit, masem ko daal, bhadrase, pineapple and kaulo, under the GI framework to further strengthen the region’s agricultural identity.
