Chennai: The Andhraites can rejoice as Banganapalle mango has got a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, making Andhra Pradesh the proprietor of the variety known for its sweetness. Following an application from Horticulture Commissioner in Andhra Pradesh, it was accorded by OP Gupta, Registrar of Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai.

Banganapalle mangoes have been grown for over 100 years in the state. It is also known as Beneshan, Baneshan, Benishan, Chappatai and Safeda. Besides, they are also called Banaganapalli, Banginapalli, Banaganapalle. The fruits can retain their quality under cold storage even up to three months, Andhra Pradesh government said in documents seeking GI.

The primary centre of origin of the fruit is Kurnool district comprising Banaganapalle, Paanyam and Nandyal mandals, according to Andhra Pradesh government which mentioned Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra as secondary centers of origin.

The fruits can retain their quality under cold storage even up to three months

According to an affidavit furnished in 2011 by the then Andhra Pradesh Commissioner of Horticulture I. Rani Kumudini nearly 7.68 lakh families, were involved in the production of Banaganapalle mangoes.

About 5,500 tones of Banganappalle variety of mangoes were being exported annually to countries like the US and UK.

A GI tag certifies the origin of a product or produce from a particular region as the quality or other features of the product are attributable only to the place of its origin.