GI marked Kalaburagi’s tur dal won Prime Minister’s praise after being exported to the Maldives

In his 139th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the region’s tur dal exports to the Maldives and encouraged the district’s farmers and agriculture sector. | Photo credit: File Photo

Kalaburagi’s GI marked tur dal has made its way into the international market, supporting the center’s “Vocal for Local” initiative. In his 139th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the region’s tur dal exports to the Maldives and encouraged the district’s farmers and agriculture sector.

Referring to the growing preference for domestic products during the festive season, Mr. Modi said locally produced goods were increasingly finding markets overseas. He said makhana from Purnia in Bihar is reaching Greece and tur dal from Kalaburagi in Karnataka is being exported to Maldives, indicating new international market opportunities for Indian farmers.

Ramesh Kadaganchi of Kalaburagi brokered the export of 10 metric cents of GI-marked tur dal to the Maldives through a Pune-based company about two months ago. According to information from the Ministry of Agriculture, farmers received prices about 30% higher than the prevailing market rate in connection with the shipment.

Exports are expected to improve market prospects for Kalaburagi’s tur dal, whose Geographical Indication (GI) tag recognizes its association with the region. The overseas shipment of Kalaburagi’s tur dal marks a step to expand the product’s international reach and improve returns for farmers.

The agricultural produce and traditional food products of Kalaburagi have featured in the Prime Minister’s program ‘Mann Ki Baat’ earlier. In the previous episode, Mr. Modi praised efforts to promote Kalaburagi’s “khadak rotti” (a shortbread made from jowar flour) and expand its market.

The Ministry of Agriculture is now looking to increase exports of tur dal to other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia. Samples have been sent to potential overseas buyers and the department is awaiting export orders, Kalaburagi Joint Director of Agriculture Samad Patel said.

Published – 25 Oct 2026 21:17 IST