Nagauri Ashwagandha Gets GI Tag: Boost for Rajasthan's Medicinal Farming and Exports

Nagaur's Ashwagandha Earns Coveted GI Tag, Boosting Rajasthan's Medicinal Heritage

In a significant recognition for Rajasthan's agricultural sector, 'Nagauri Ashwagandha' has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Centre. This status grants the distinctive medicinal root, cultivated in Nagaur district, a protected identity and marks a historic achievement for the farmers of the Marwar region. It becomes Rajasthan's second major GI-registered agricultural product, following Sojat Mehendi.

Elevating Regional Branding and Export Potential
The GI tag formally establishes Nagaur as a globally recognized source of premium-quality Ashwagandha. This legal shield will safeguard the authentic product's name from imitation and misuse in domestic and international markets. Industry experts anticipate that the certification will substantially boost export opportunities, allowing farmers to command better prices and ensuring greater income security by directly linking the produce to its unique geographical origin.

Unique Agro-Climatic Advantages Underpin Recognition
The grant of the GI status is rooted in science. Agricultural researchers confirm that the specific dry climate and sandy-loam soil of the Nagaur region impart unique properties to its Ashwagandha. The roots cultivated here are notably longer, thicker, and contain a higher concentration of bioactive alkaloids compared to varieties from other areas. Furthermore, the berries of the Nagauri plant are distinguished by their dark, vibrant red colour—a recognized marker of superior potency and quality.

Empowering Farmers and Strengthening the Medicinal Sector
Dr. Vikas Pawadiya, Assistant Professor at Nagaur Agriculture College, hailed the GI tag as a definitive national endorsement of the crop's purity and distinct characteristics. The recognition is projected to stimulate greater research, innovation, and attract youth engagement towards medicinal farming. With legal protection against adulteration, the supply chain is expected to become more transparent, reducing dependency on middlemen and enabling cultivators to forge direct linkages with Ayurvedic and pharmaceutical firms worldwide.

Grassroots Initiative Expands Rajasthan's GI Portfolio
This achievement is the result of sustained grassroots advocacy led by Parvati Chaudhary of the Nagauri Welfare Society, supported technically by ICAR-Anand and the State Agriculture Department. With this addition, Rajasthan now boasts 22 GI-tagged products, a prestigious list that includes Bikaneri Bhujia, Makrana Marble, and Kota Doria. Nationally, Ashwagandha is cultivated on approximately 5,000 hectares, yielding about 1,600 tonnes annually, with Nagaur contributing a significant and now officially distinguished portion to India's growing medicinal agriculture economy.

Key Facts for Reference:

• A GI tag offers legal protection to products originating from a specific geographical territory, attributing unique qualities to that place.

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a cornerstone herb in Ayurveda, renowned for its adaptogenic properties.

• The GI registry helps combat counterfeit products and ensures authenticity for consumers.

• This recognition underscores the importance of preserving and promoting region-specific agro-biodiversity.