Raktsey Karpo Apricot of Ladakh got its first ever Geographical Indication (GI). This coveted GI tag certification is given for twenty years.Raktsey Karpo Apricot is registered recently in the GI tag lists along with the nine other items. Raktsey Karpo variety is unique to the region of Ladakh although it grows more than thirty types of Apricots. This Ladakh exclusive apricot variety is matchless in sweetness and colorful with white Kernel.
The Ladakhi apricot Raktsey Karpo received its first-ever Geographical Indication (GI). This highly sought-after GI tag accreditation is granted for 20 years. Along with nine other items, Raktsey Karpo Apricot has recently been registered in the GI tag lists. Despite growing more than thirty different varieties of apricots, the Raktsey Karpo variety is exclusive to the Ladakh region. This unique apricot type from Ladakh is unparalleled in flavour and vibrant with white Kernel.
Among the other nine fruits growing in Ladakh, apricot is a significant fruit with large cultivation in both the Leh and Kargil Districts. Additionally, apricot is being promoted as One District One Product for Kargil. It is distributed widely throughout Ladakh, with particular abundance in Sham regions (lower Ladakh), which include Dha-Hanu, Garkhon, Skurbuchan, Domkhar, Wanla, Khaltse, and Timosgang, as well as in Kargil.
After Ladakh was created as Union Territory, a specialists committee was created to recommend modifications in Apricots farming in Ladakh. The Horticulture Department based on the reports and recommendations, has authorized 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 a premium product among the horticulture produce of Ladakh. General Secretary Skarma Tokdan of Sham Fruits and Vegetables Growers Marketing Society shared the contentment in getting the GI tag registration. GI tag got the boost by the central government after a series of export promotion programmes under Ladakh Apricot brand through Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority.