Centre grants GI tag for Raktsey Karpo apricot of Ladakh

The Union Government has granted Geographical Indication tag for Raktsey Karpo apricot of Ladakh among other products belonging to other states as well as Union Territories. The coveted GI tag certification for twenty years. Raktsey Karpo Apricot is one of the nine items recently registered in the GI tag lists. Although, Ladakh grows more than thirty types of Apricots, but Raktsey Karpo variety is unique to the region.  This Ladakh exclusive variety is matchless in sweetness and colorful with white Kernel.After formation of Ladakh as Union Territory,  an experts commitee was formed to recommend for improvement in Apricots farming in Ladakh. Based on the reports and recommendations, the Horticulture Department has entrusted the responsibility of getting registration of Raktsey Karpo Apricot under the Geographical Indication Tag to the Leh based Defence Institute of High Altitude Research of DRDO on behalf of the Apricots farming community of Ladakh. The product is sold as premium product among the horticulture produce of Ladakh.
Apricot is the major fruit of Ladakh with large scale cultivation in both Leh and Kargil  Districts among the nine fruits grown in Ladakh. Apricot is also being promoted under One District  One Product for Kargil. Sham Fruits and Vegetables Growers Marketing Society General Secretary Skarma Tokdan shared  the happiness  in getting the GI tag registration. GI tag get the boost by the centre government after series of export promotion programmes under Ladakh Apricot brand through Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development  Authority. 

According to Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Raktsey Karpo’s TSS (total soluble solids) at 37.9ºBrix is the highest reported in the world in fresh apricots till date.TSS is one of ways calculating sweetness, which is a commonly used as quality index in many types of fruit. A higher ratio is indicative of higher and more acceptable fruit quality. “For Raktsey Karpo, the TSS to acid ratio was 33:1, which is significantly higher than the figures reported from other parts of the world. On that basis, we say it is the sweetest in the world,” DIHAR said. Apricot fruit is known for its high content of Vitamin A and C, calcium, iron, carbohydrates, amino acids, sugar and potassium.