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FTA boosts export of Karnataka’s Vijayapura GI-tagged lemon to Oman
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Tuesday, 06 January, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Nandita Vijayasimha, Bengaluru
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The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) or Free Trade Agreement(FTA) between India and Oman aims to strengthen bilateral economic ties. The agreement is expected to benefit key sectors such as agricultural and processed food products and animal products, enhancing India’s export competitiveness in the Omani market. The recent FTA between India and Oman has given a major push to the export of Karnataka’s GI-tagged (Geographical Indication) Vijayapura district’s lemon, with the first shipment sent to the Gulf nation.
Largely grown in Vijayapura district, the lemon’s entry into the Oman market marks a significant milestone for local farmers and exporters, enhancing the fruit’s international visibility and opening new opportunities for agri-trade from the region, said sources.
According to the Union Ministry of Commerce, the thin-rind, high-juice lemon also known as Kagzi lemon was first exported to Dubai in August in a three-metric-tonne shipment. Encouraged by the positive market response, the Union Government decided to expand exports to Oman. Following favourable feedback from Dubai, another 12 tonnes of Indi lime from Vijayapura were exported to the UAE, while an additional 350 kg has been sent to the UK, reflecting growing international demand for the GI-tagged fruit.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been instrumental in facilitating these exports, helping local growers access premium global markets and improving income opportunities for farmers associated with this GI-tagged produce.
Now, the State Government wants to boost cultivation of key GI products like Nanjangud Rasabale (banana), Devanahalli Pomelo citrus fruit and Mattu Gulla (brinjal), with MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) support. Also Bangalore Blue grapes have a GI tag distinguishing its attributes and origin in the Bangalore Urban, Chikkaballapur, and Kolar districts of the State.
To popularise the lemon variety, Karnataka State Lime Development Board plans to open up lemon tea points in Vijayapura and Bengaluru. The joints would also sell other lime products.
Vijayapura district produces 80 per cent of Karnataka’s total lemon output, but has seen a 30 per cent decline in recent years due to water scarcity, prompting many farmers to switch to less water-intensive crops. Karnataka ranks fourth in lemon production after Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Recognised for its distinctive aroma, high juice content and extended shelf life, the GI tag adds value and helps position the product competitively overseas.
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