APEDA Facilitates First-Ever Air Shipment of GI Tagged Indi and Puliyankudi Limes from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to the United Kingdom
APEDA Facilitates First-Ever Air Shipment of GI Tagged Indi and Puliyankudi Limes from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to the United Kingdom
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has facilitated the first-ever air shipment of 350 kg of India’s GI-tagged Indi Lime from Vijayapura, Karnataka and 150 kg Puliyankudi Lime from Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, to the United Kingdom on 28th October, 2025. The 500 kg consignment was exported, marking a significant milestone in expanding the global footprint of India’s GI-tagged horticultural produce.
The flag-off ceremony was organised with the participation of the Department of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka, Karnataka Lime Board, Agricultural Production Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, Mr V. Dakshinamoorthy, IAS and the Department of Horticulture, Government of Tamil Nadu. Chairman APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, flagged off the shipment and commended the initiative, highlighting the importance of such efforts in promoting India’s regional agri-produce globally while directly benefiting local farmers and producer groups.
Chairman APEDA, during the flag off said that the export of Indi Lime and Puliyankudi Lime, GI Tagged Products will create global awareness about India’s unique agri heritage and promote the region-specific produce internationally. By connecting farmer-producer groups with global consumers, it is strengthening the export ecosystem while ensuring that growers receive better incomes through branding and market diversification. He assured that APEDA will remain committed to supporting exporters and producers in scaling up such initiatives for the benefit of the farmers.
At the onset, Mr V. Dakshinamoorthy, IAS, addressed that the export initiative represented a significant milestone in the efforts to promote Karnataka’s horticultural excellence and enhance farmers’ access to global markets. The successful shipment of GI-tagged Indie Lime reflected the strong collaboration between the state and central agencies, exporters and farmer groups.
About Indi Lime
Indi Lime, cultivated primarily in Vijayapura district of Karnataka, is known for its superior quality, zesty aroma, high juice yield and balanced acidity. Its distinctive flavour and geographical uniqueness make it a hallmark of the region’s agricultural excellence. Besides its culinary applications, the lime is also valued in traditional medicine and cultural practices, reflecting the deep-rooted agricultural legacy of Karnataka.
About Puliyankudi Lime
Puliyankudi, often referred to as the “Lemon City of Tamil Nadu,” lies in the Tenkasi district and is renowned for extensive lime cultivation. The Puliyankudi Lime, particularly the Kadayam variety, is characterised by its thin peel, strong acidity, high ascorbic acid content (34.3 mg/100g) and juice percentage of around 55%. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, it supports immunity and digestion while offering exceptional flavour and quality. The lime officially received its GI tag in April 2025, acknowledging its distinct regional and nutritional attributes.
This first international consignment of Indi and Puliyankudi limes symbolises a major step in promoting India’s regionally unique, high-quality agricultural produce in global markets. The initiative aligns with APEDA’s sustained efforts to enhance the global recognition of India’s GI-tagged produce and strengthen market linkages that deliver direct economic benefits to farmers and producer groups.