Sikkim’s GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly Goes Global; 15,000 Kg Exported to Solomon Islands

The drying process yielded a 12.5 per cent recovery rate, with 1,600 kg of fresh chillies processed into 200 kg of dried chillies for export.

Sikkim’s iconic GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly has made its way to the Solomon Islands, marking a major milestone in the state’s agri-export journey. Facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, the first consignment of 15,000 kg has opened new avenues for organic produce from the North East on the global stage.

Known for its intense heat and vibrant red hue, Dalle Chilly, also called Fire Ball Chilly or Dalle Khursani, is valued for its high Scoville Heat Units (100,000 to 350,000) and rich nutritional profile, including vitamins A, C, and E.

The shipment was sourced by Mevedir from farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in South Sikkim, including Tinkitam and Tarku. This consignment ensured farmers received a premium price of Rs 250-300 per kg, compared to the usual Rs 180-200 per kg, reaffirming the economic benefits of GI tagging and international trade.

The consignment was processed at an APEDA-funded Integrated Pack House developed by the Department of Horticulture, Sikkim, with 9,000 kg dehydrated and 6,000 kg preserved for further processing and export.

According to the APEDA, the drying process yielded a 12.5 per cent recovery rate, with 1,600 kg of fresh chillies processed into 200 kg of dried chillies for export.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier emphasised that the GI tag is not just a recognition but a transformative opportunity for farmers and artisans, unlocking new markets and ensuring economic prosperity for the northeastern region.

In 2020, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) granted the GI tag to Dalle Chilly.

The government has been actively promoting organic farming in the northeast under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) scheme.

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