The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, enabled the export of 0.5 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Salem Sago from Salem to Canada.
This marks the first export shipment directly handled by the GI Authorised User, SAGOSERVE, since the product received its GI tag in March 2023.
About Salem Sago
- Salem Sago is made from tapioca (cassava) roots.
- Tamil Nadu is India’s largest producer of tapioca sago.
- Salem is known as the hub of India’s sago and starch industry.
Sago, commonly called sabudana, is widely used as a staple food across India.
GI Tag Significance
The GI registration for Salem Sago was obtained in March 2023 by SAGOSERVE under the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Benefits of GI Tag:
- Protects product authenticity and regional identity
- Enhances export value and branding
- Supports farmers and local industries
This direct export highlights the growing global demand for GI-certified Indian products.
Economic Importance
The sago industry in Salem supports a large number of farmers, including tribal communities engaged in tapioca cultivation.
Traditionally, Salem Sago was supplied to traders across Indian states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, and exported to countries such as the USA, UK, Vietnam, Singapore, and Canada.
This shipment marks a shift toward producer-led exports, increasing farmer income.
About Tapioca
- Tapioca (Manihot esculenta) was introduced to India in the late 18th century.
- Tamil Nadu contributes about 64% of India’s tapioca production and processing into starch and sago.
Source: PIB
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