India, Nov. 29 -- Mandarin orange, grown in the hills of Darjeeling in West Bengal and known for its quality and sweetness, has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, people aware of the development said.

Former professor of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya (UBKV) Tulsi Saran Ghimiray, who initiated the GI proposal in August 2022 with the expert support of nodal officer of Patent Information Centre (PIC), West Bengal State Council of Science & Technology (WBSCS&T) Mahuya Hom Choudhary, said, "As the process progressed, the applicant was formally changed from UBKV to Darjeeling Organic Farmers Producer Organisation (DOFPO), Mirik in August 2024."

"This was to ensure that the ownership rested with the grassroots community. Dar...