Muzaffarnagar’s GI-Tagged Jaggery Makes Historic Export to Bangladesh

In a landmark move for India’s agricultural exports, a 30-tonne consignment of GI-tagged jaggery from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, has been shipped to Bangladesh, the Commerce Ministry announced on Saturday.

Known for its superior sugarcane, Muzaffarnagar’s jaggery—branded as “Muzaffarnagar Gur”—earned its Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2023, a seal that guarantees its unique quality and origin, boosting its appeal in global markets.

This export, facilitated by Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in western Uttar Pradesh, marks the region’s first direct jaggery shipment to Bangladesh. The initiative, supported by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), underscores India’s push to promote niche, GI-tagged agricultural products internationally.

Muzaffarnagar, home to India’s largest jaggery market, produces about 20% of the country’s supply, making it a key player in this traditional sweetener’s trade.

On the same day, India also celebrated another export milestone: the first-ever shipment of Anthurium flowers from Mizoram to Singapore. A vital crop for Mizoram’s economy, Anthurium supports local farmers, particularly women. These efforts reflect APEDA’s broader strategy to enhance exports of fruits, vegetables, and other agri-goods, empowering rural communities and showcasing India’s diverse produce on the global stage.

The dual exports signal a promising step toward sustainable agricultural trade growth.