Sikkim’s GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly Exported To Solomon Islands

In a significant boost to agricultural exports from India’s Northeast, a consignment of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim was recently shipped to the Solomon Islands. Facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, this marks a crucial step in promoting the region’s unique agricultural produce on the global stage.  

The shipment comprised 15,000 kg of Dalle Chilly, sourced from farmers and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in South Sikkim, particularly from Tinkitam and Tarku. The export initiative was undertaken by Mevedir, which paid farmers Rs 250-300 per kg—significantly higher than the local market rate of Rs 180-200 per kg—providing better income opportunities for local cultivators.  

ALSO READ: Ninestar Says Sale Of Lexmark Worth Up To $150 Million In Equity Value

Dalle Chilly, also known as Fire Ball Chilly or Dalle Khursani, is renowned for its intense spiciness, bright red color, and high pungency, with a Scoville Heat Unit rating between 100,000 and 350,000. It is also rich in essential vitamins such as A, C, and E. The chilly was granted its GI tag in 2020 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), recognising its unique origin and quality.  

The processing of the consignment was carried out at an APEDA-funded Integrated Pack House under the Sikkim Horticulture Department. Of the total shipment, 9,000 kg was dehydrated, while 6,000 kg was preserved for further processing and export. This initiative aligns with the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER), which aims to promote organic farming and enhance market access for farmers in the region.