Dahanu,Gholvad, Bordi a horticultural hub 120 kms north of Mumbai on the Maharashtra – Gujarat border was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its Chikoo (Sapota Manilkara) fruit. 

For over 100 years this region has been home to Chikoo horticulture in India. Maharashtra Rajya Chikoo Utpadak Sangh put in efforts to give due credentials for the quality produce and with help from GI experts presented its case to the Ministry of IP, Government of India in 2015. After almost 2 years of  analysis and study of Chikoo fruit from various parts of the country the Ministry of IP awarded the coveted recognition to this region for producing the most flavorful and nutritious Chikoos.  

Officials of Maharashtra Rajya Chikoo Utpadak Sangh have said that the unique sweet taste, soft creamy texture and high nutrition of Chikoo from this region are attributed to the high calcium content in the soil. The fruit is nutritious as it contains Calcium, Iron, Vitamin C and many other minerals essential for our body. The fruit also contains a good amount of fiber which helps in digestion and weight loss. One more interesting fact about Chikoo horticulture in this region is that there is harvest round the year, with the peak season being November to March. 

Chikoo from Dahanu Gholvad Bordi region is sold across markets in Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad & Delhi. Due to its perishable nature the fruit cannot be exported in its raw form. However there is substantial demand for the fruit from the Indian & Asian diaspora living in the Middle-East, Europe and USA. With assistance from APEDA some farmers in this region had started exports to the UK through air-freight. However the high costs involved and risk due to perishability could not sustain the business. Direct cold storage is also not a suitable option for this fruit, it has to be peeled and cut in slices before freezing it. Frozen Chikoo is the best way to export this fruit. Frozen chikoo has also found application in making milkshakes, ice creams, kulfi and many other desserts.

Ruwan Foodtech LLP (under the brand Aura Green) has been processing and marketing dry chikoo fruit for over 8 years now. They say that dehydration of this fruit is the best method to overcome perishability and create a form of Chikoo which is 100% natural, easy to consume, process, store and transport. This option has opened up new avenues for farmers in this region and many of them have taken up this activity as a micro business. Ms Latika Patil, proprietor of Gold Orchards says that their income has grown by over 40%. They process the fruit when there is low demand and prices drop in the market. 

In recent times there is rapid urbanization and industrialisation in this region. Chikoo horticulture is facing multiple challenges due to these demographic changes. However the farmers are putting up an effort to keep the business sustainable and provide the most flavourful and nutritious Chikoo fruit for all of us.