Alibag White onionis a traditional variety ofwhite oniongrown in theIndian stateofMaharashtra.[1]It is a common and widely cultivated crop in theAlibag talukaof theRaigad district.[2]This unique onion is characterized by its sweetness, low pungency, and high nutritional value. It is traditionally cultivated in Alibag, specifically in villages such as Karle, Khandala, Nevuli, Talvali, Sagaon, and Wadgaon. It has been recognized since 1883 in the official gazette and known for its medicinal properties, for its health benefits, including treating heart ailments, controlling cholesterol, and regulating insulin.[3][4][5][6][7]
| Alibag White onion (अलिबाग पांढरा कांदा) | |
|---|---|
| Geographical indication | |
| Alternative names | Alibag Pandhara Kanda |
| Description | Alibag White onion is a white onion variety inMaharashtra |
| Type | onion |
| Area | Alibag |
| Country | India |
| Registered | 16 November 2022 |
| Official website | ipindia.gov.in |
Under itsGeographical Indicationtag, it is referred to as "Alibag White onion".[8]
Name
editAlibag White onion is a prized, native vegetable crop in Alibag and so named after it.
Local name
editIt is known locally as "Alibag Pandhara Kanda" (अलिबाग पांढरा कांदा). The word "Pandhara" refers to the white colour while "Kanda" means onion in the local state language ofMarathi.[9]
Description
editList of characteristics and facts about Alibag White onion:[10]
Cultivation and Harvesting
edit- Alibag White Onions are grown using traditional farming practices, preserving the pure variety of the onion. The cultivation takes place after the rice harvest, utilizing the remaining moisture in the field. Locals have developed farming and storage practices over time through experience and gathered knowledge.
Unique Characteristics
edit- Sweet taste and low pungency
- Lowpyruvic acidcontent[11]
- Low sulphur content
- High protein, fat, and fiber content
- Unique method of preparation of onion braids (veni)
Storage and Shelf Life
edit- Alibag White Onion veni (braid) is prepared by skilled village women who weave the onion tops into braids, which are then paired and sold as 3–4 kg juddis, enabling storage for up to one year.
Geographical indication
editIt was awarded theGeographical Indication(GI) status tag from theGeographical Indications Registry,under theUnion Government of India,on 16 November 2022.[8]
Alibag Pandhara Kanda Shetkari Utpadak Gat fromAlibag,proposed the GI registration of Alibag White onion. After filing the application in January 2020, the Onion was granted the GI tag in 2022 by the Geographical Indication Registry inChennai,making the name "Alibag White onion" exclusive to the Onion grown in the region. It thus became the second onion variety from Maharashtra afterLasalgaon onionandthe 34th type of goods from Maharashtra to earn the GI tag.[12][13]
The GI tag protects the onion from illegal selling and marketing, and gives it legal protection and a unique identity.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^Jadhav, Radheshyam (25 July 2022)."GI tag for Alibag's white onion brings cheer to farmers".BusinessLine.Retrieved7 December2024.
- ^Naik, A. V.; Kshirsagar, P. J.; Manerikar, S. S.; Gb, Aiswarya; Chavan, R. A.; Malave, D. B. (2023)."Economic analysis of white onion in Raigad district of Maharashtra".The Pharma Innovation Journal.12(1): 1585–1589.ISSN2277-7695.Retrieved7 December2024.
- ^"Alibag's famed white onion gets GI tag".The Tribune.Retrieved7 December2024.
- ^Dhupkar, Alka (24 January 2020)."State eyes GI tag for Alibaug's white onion".Mumbai Mirror.Retrieved7 December2024.
- ^Borse, D. K.; Patil, K. D.; Chavan, L. S.; Khade, V. N. (2015)."Effects of Fertilizer Levels and Weed Control Measures on Growth and Yield of White Onion (Allium cepa) under North Konkan Coastal Zone of Maharashtra".Journal of the Indian Society of Coastal Agricultural Research.pp. 19–23.Retrieved7 December2024.
- ^"Maharashtra: Alibag's famed white onion gets GI tag".Deccan Herald.Retrieved7 December2024.
- ^Vidyapeeth, Mahatma Phule Krishi (1971).The Research Journal of Mahatma Phule Agricultural University.Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth.Retrieved7 December2024.
- ^ab"Alibag White onion".Intellectual Property India.Retrieved24 November2024.
- ^"उन्हाळा असो वा पावसाळा! वाचा पांढरा कांदा खाण्याचे आरोग्यदायी फायदे".Zee 24 taas(in Marathi). 28 June 2023.Retrieved7 December2024.
- ^"Alibag White onion".Intellectual Property India.Retrieved5 December2024.
- ^"Maharashtra: Alibaug white onion gets GI tag for health benefits".The Times of India.3 October 2021.Retrieved7 December2024.
- ^Kandavel, Sangeetha (14 December 2022)."Nine products from across country get GI tag, Kerala tops table".The Hindu.Retrieved7 December2024.
- ^"Assam's Gamosa, Telangana's Tandur Redgram, Ladakh's apricot get GI tag".Business-Standard.Retrieved7 December2024.