India begins exporting Karnataka’s ‘Gulbarga Tur Dal’ to Maldives

A shipment of one metric ton of ‘Gulbarga Tur Dal’, a lentil variety from Karnataka, India, that holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, has been exported to the Maldives.

According to a statement issued by India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the shipment was transported to the Maldives by sea on Thursday. The ministry said the export was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) as part of an initiative aimed at connecting farmers with international markets. The initiative seeks to establish a presence for India’s distinctive specialty products in overseas markets.

The Ministry said the export is expected to provide substantial financial benefits to Indian farmers. While the variety is sold domestically at 60 Indian Rupees per kilogram, farmers will receive 82 Rupees per kilogram through exports to the Maldives, representing a 30 percent increase over domestic prices. The Ministry described the development as a significant step forward for farmers through an export-oriented value chain.

Gulbarga Tur Dal from Karnataka is reaching the Maldives, opening avenues for market expansion for the GI-tagged product and greater participation of FPO-led brands in agri exports. The export-linked value chain enables higher price realisation for farmers while connecting producers with international markets. The initiative also highlights the potential of taking region-specific agricultural products to global markets through export-oriented value chains. Read more: https://t.co/st7nglM57s #APEDA #AgriExports #GulbargaTurDal #GIProduct @PIB_India @RajeshAgrawal94 @APEDADOC

— Dept of Commerce, GoI (@DoC_GoI) September 25, 2026

Indian authorities said the development forms part of government efforts to promote products from Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which facilitate direct connections between producers and international markets.

Gulbarga Tur Dal is predominantly cultivated in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi region and is known for its distinctive taste and high quality. The variety received GI registration in 2019. Karnataka is among India’s major agricultural states, with pulses playing an important role in its economy and the Kalaburagi region serving as a major centre for dal production.

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev said the latest export to the Maldives would contribute to increasing the global recognition of India’s GI-tagged products. The Indian government also said the development could create opportunities for farmers in Karnataka to establish regular dal exports to the Maldives in the future.

The initiative forms part of a wider APEDA program aimed at expanding exports of GI-tagged products and other agricultural commodities. The authority said the program seeks to promote region-specific agricultural varieties as part of international trade.