Darjeeling Mandarin Orange Receives Geographical Indication (GI) Recognition

KalimNews, Kalimpong, November 26, 2025 :  The Darjeeling Mandarin Orange, commonly known as Suntala, a premium variety of mandarin cultivated in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills of West Bengal, has officially been granted Geographical Indication (GI) recognition. This prestigious certification, expected to be formally conferred in the coming days, marks a significant achievement for the region's farmers and will serve to protect the fruit's distinct qualities. The announcement is celebrated as an important milestone for the region's agricultural sector.

The journey towards securing the GI tag for the Darjeeling Mandarin began on August 22, 2022, when the Darjeeling Orange Farmers Producers Organisation (DOFPO) Organic Farmers' Producer Company Limited, based in Deosay Dara Mirik, filed an application for registration of the Darjeeling Mandarin under Application No. 943 in Part-A of the Register of Geographical Indications. This application, in accordance with the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, was accepted and certified under the relevant provisions of the law. The process was facilitated by several entities, including the Patent Information Centre, the West Bengal State Council of Science and Technology, and Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya (UBKV).

The GI recognition is pivotal in safeguarding the unique characteristics of the Darjeeling Mandarin, ensuring that its distinctive flavour, aroma, and appearance — which result from the specific soil, climate, and cultivation methods of the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills — are not misappropriated. The registration will empower the Darjeeling Orange Farmers Producers Organisation to protect the name “Darjeeling Orange” from unauthorised use, thus preserving the fruit’s legacy. It also aims to raise awareness about the fruit’s high quality and its strong association with the region.

Darjeeling mandarins are known for their exceptional flavour, a result of a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Grown at altitudes between 600 and 1500 meters in the Eastern Himalayan region, these oranges benefit from the unique climatic and geographical conditions of the area. The fruits are medium-sized, with a thin, smooth peel that is yellowish-green to orange in colour and easily removable. The pulp is tender, juicy, and saffron to orange in colour, with an average juice content of 45%, enhancing their nutritional value. The mandarins are also rich in vitamin C, making them a highly prized fruit both locally and internationally.

The GI recognition is expected to boost the visibility of Darjeeling mandarins in the global market, while also encouraging farmers to uphold the high cultivation standards that have made Darjeeling mandarins among the best in India. This will likely lead to increased economic benefits for local farmers and provide a platform to promote this exceptional fruit to a wider audience. The recognition also contributes to the broader effort to preserve and protect India’s agricultural heritage.

Mandarins are a key segment of India’s citrus fruit production, with more than 43% of the country's citrus fruits being mandarins. The Darjeeling variety, Citrus reticulata Blanco, is distinguished for its superior quality. It now joins other notable mandarin varieties in India, such as the Coorg orange (from Karnataka, since 2006), Nagpur orange (from Maharashtra, since 2014), Khasi mandarin (from Meghalaya, since 2014), and Tamenglong orange (from Manipur, since 2021).

This GI recognition follows a public notice published in the Geographical Indications Journal of the Government of India. The notice, included in Journal No. 206, dated July 23, 2025, officially informed the public that the Darjeeling Mandarin's GI application had been made publicly available. The notice complies with Rule 41(1) of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules, 2002, marking an important step in the registration process and confirming the acceptance of the GI application. It is placed in Class 31, belonging to Agriculture. 

The botanical classification of the Darjeeling Mandarin is as follows:

• Kingdom: Plantae

• Division: Magnoliophyta

• Class: Magnoliopsida

• Order: Sapindales

• Family: Rutaceae

• Genus: Citrus

• Species: Citrus reticulata

Mandarins occupy the largest area and account for more than 43% of India's citrus fruit production, with the Darjeeling variety standing out for its superior quality. The fruits typically weigh about 124.5 grams, have a peel thickness of 5.5 mm, and average 10 segments per fruit. The total soluble solids (TSS) content is 9.50° Brix, and the acidity level is around 0.66%. These attributes, along with the high concentration of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), further solidify the Darjeeling Mandarin as a premium fruit in the citrus market.

The GI recognition for Darjeeling Mandarin is a landmark achievement that will protect the region's citrus industry, promote local agricultural practices, and ensure that the unique qualities of this beloved fruit are recognised and preserved for future generations.