[pib] GI Tagged Indi and Puliyankudi Limes 

Why in the News?

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated India’s first air export of GI-tagged Indi Lime and Puliyankudi Lime to the UK.

About Indi Lime:

• Origin: Cultivated predominantly in Vijayapura district, Karnataka.
• GI Tag: Granted in 2023, becoming India’s second lime variety to obtain a GI certification after the Assam Lemon.
• Characteristics:
  • Renowned for its zesty aroma, balanced acidity, high juice yield, and thin rind.
  • Possesses a distinctive tangy-sweet flavor and rich oil content that enhances its culinary and medicinal appeal.
• Cultivation Conditions:
  • Thrives in semi-arid climates and black cotton soils of northern Karnataka.
  • Largely cultivated using traditional, organic farming practices.
• Economic Importance:
  • Vijayapura district contributes around 58% of Karnataka’s total lime production.
  • Widely used in food, traditional medicine, and cultural practices, reflecting the region’s agricultural heritage.

About Puliyankudi Lime:

• Origin: Cultivated in Puliyankudi (Tenkasi district), Tamil Nadu, often termed the “Lemon City of Tamil Nadu.”
• GI Tag: Officially registered in April 2025.
• Characteristics:
  • The Kadayam variety is noted for its thin peel, strong acidity, high juice content (~55%), and ascorbic acid levels (34.3 mg/100g).
  • Exhibits an intense aroma and distinct tanginess, making it highly prized in both domestic and international markets.
• Cultivation Conditions:
  • Grown in red loamy soils under tropical climatic conditions, maintaining traditional horticultural methods.
• Significance: A rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immunity, digestion, and metabolic health.