Why Is Karnataka Exporting GI-Tagged Food Like Bananas & Betel Leaves To Maldives?

In a first-ever air shipment, three GI-tagged products from Karnataka have been exported to the Maldives. These include premium-quality Nanjangud Rasabale bananas, Mysore betel leaves, and Indi limes. Hailed as superfoods, these products are seeing high demand in the Maldives. Their export also strengthens India’s agricultural trade. Here’s why this matters.

GI-Tagged Bananas, Betel Leaves & Limes From Karnataka Reach Maldives

APEDA continues to strengthen India’s agri-exports…🇮🇳✈️

In the first-ever air shipment, three GI-tagged products from Karnataka: Nanjangud Rasabale Banana, Mysore Betel Leaves and Indi Lime, have been exported to the Maldives.

This shipment is a testament to @APEDADOC’s… pic.twitter.com/jAEhsMr0iU

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) January 15, 2026

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has set a new milestone. In a first-ever air shipment, GI-tagged bananas, betel leaves, and limes from Karnataka have been exported to the Maldives. These are not regular products. They are products known for their quality and uniqueness.

Nanjangud Rasabale bananas are known for their sweet, tangy flavour and buttery texture. They enjoy strong demand in the Maldives due to their premium quality. Since they do not grow well anywhere else, these bananas remain a speciality of India.

Another product in the shipment is Mysore betel leaves, also GI-tagged. These leaves are known for their glossy texture, vibrant green colour, and strong, hot flavour. Indi limes, the third product, are recognised for their intense citrus aroma and health benefits. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal also shared this development on his X account.

Also Read: Banglar Rasogolla To Ratnagiri Alphonso, 10 GI-Tagged Ingredients To Experience In Their Home Cities

Indian ‘Premium Superfoods’ 

According to a report by The Tribune, this shipment aligns with APEDA’s ‘BHARATI’ initiative. The Maldives is heavily dependent on food imports and is also a growing hub for luxury tourism. By exporting GI-tagged products like bananas, betel leaves, and limes from Karnataka, India is positioning these foods as premium superfoods.

Reportedly, this export will benefit not just the Maldives but also local farmers in Karnataka. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, India’s major agricultural exports include basmati and non-basmati rice, spices, mangoes, grapes, bananas, onions, coffee, tea, sugar, meat, dairy, and poultry products.

Also Read: From Coffee To Mysore Sandal Soap, GI-Tagged Products You Can Shop At Bengaluru Airport’s New Kalaloka Store

This is certainly good news. What do you think about Karnataka’s GI-tagged products now reaching the Maldives? Share your thoughts with us.

Cover Image Courtesy: @PiyushGoyal/ X and Canva Pro/  jakubgojda