The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has achieved a major milestone by successfully exporting 15,000 kilograms of GI-tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands. This landmark transaction not only exemplifies India’s growing prominence in the global organic agriculture sector but also highlights the increasing demand for premium products from the North Eastern region.
Renowned for its fiery pungency and vibrant red hue, Dalle Chilly—popularly called Fire Ball Chilly—is celebrated for its high nutritional value, being rich in vitamins A, C, E, and potassium. With Scoville Heat Units ranging from 100,000 to 350,000, it is highly prized for culinary and medicinal uses. The GI tag granted to this chili by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in 2020 has amplified its marketability and prestige, fostering economic opportunities for Sikkim’s farmers.
The export was facilitated through meticulous efforts to ensure quality and market readiness. Mevedir, the agri-export enterprise spearheading the transaction, procured the crop from farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations in regions like Tinkitam and Tarku in South Sikkim. These farmers received a significant premium, earning between 250 to 300 rupees per kilogram, compared to the usual price range of 180 to 200 rupees. This uplift underscores the economic impact of international trade coupled with the value of GI certification.
The preparation of this export consignment was undertaken at an Integrated Pack House in Sikkim, developed through APEDA’s funding and support from the Department of Horticulture. Out of the 15,000 kilograms, 9,000 kilograms of chilies were dehydrated while 6,000 kilograms were preserved for further processing and export. The drying process achieved a 12.5 percent recovery rate, exemplifying the attention to detail and efficiency involved in the handling and packaging.
This achievement reflects the broader vision of the Government of India in promoting organic farming, especially in the North Eastern region under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region scheme. APEDA, working in partnership with the Agriculture Department of Sikkim and its regional office in Guwahati, has played a pivotal role in connecting local farmers and FPOs to international markets. The Solomon Islands buyer, introduced to Dalle Chilly through its global debut in Singapore in 2023, has chosen to source the product directly, highlighting the growing trust in India’s organic supply chain.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the importance of the North East in driving India’s vision for sustainability and economic growth, emphasizing the transformative potential of GI tagging in unlocking new markets for farmers and artisans. Such initiatives exemplify the government’s commitment to ensuring the prosperity of regional communities while enhancing India’s agricultural footprint on the global stage.
The direct export of Dalle Chilly represents a significant step forward for Sikkim, positioning the state as a key player in the global spice industry. With its ideal climate and fertile soil, Sikkim is increasingly recognized for producing premium agricultural products that meet international standards. This export strengthens the international demand for India’s organic commodities and signals the promise of a thriving future for the nation’s farmers and agri-export enterprises. As India expands its presence in global markets, achievements like this reaffirm its status as a rising leader in sustainable and organic agriculture.
