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.

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