In a significant boost to India’s agri-exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first direct export of GI-tagged Salem Sago from Tamil Nadu to Canada. The 0.5 metric tonne consignment was shipped from Salem by the GI Authorised User Society, marking a milestone for the region’s sago industry.
Salem: Hub of India’s Sago Industry
Tamil Nadu is the country’s largest producer of tapioca sago, commonly known as sabudhana. Salem district has long been recognised as the nucleus of India’s sago and starch industry, with hundreds of processing units operating in the region.
Sago is derived from tapioca roots and serves as a staple ingredient in several Indian households. Its versatility and long shelf life make it popular across domestic and international markets.
Role of SAGOSERVE in GI Certification
The GI registration for Salem Sago was obtained in March 2023 by The Salem Starch and Sago Manufacturers’ Service Industrial Cooperative Society Limited (SAGOSERVE) under the Government of Tamil Nadu. The Society has 334 registered member-manufacturers.
SAGOSERVE plays a vital role in marketing sago and starch produced by its members. It also provides essential services such as warehousing facilities, quality enhancement initiatives, and support measures aimed at improving tapioca cultivation and sago processing standards.
Boost to Farmers and Tribal Communities
The sago industry in Salem sustains a large number of farmers, including tribal communities engaged in tapioca cultivation. By linking GI-certified production with direct export channels, the initiative is expected to improve price realisation for producers.
Exporting directly through the authorised user society ensures better margins and reduces dependency on intermediaries. This development strengthens income prospects for farming households dependent on tapioca cultivation.
Expanding Global Footprint
Traditionally, Salem Sago has been supplied to domestic markets such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. Internationally, it has found markets in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Vietnam, and Singapore.
However, this shipment marks the first direct export from the GI Authorised User Society itself, reflecting enhanced export readiness and global branding for the product.
An export-oriented programme was organised at SAGOSERVE’s premises in Salem on February 18, 2026, to explore additional global markets. Officials discussed strategies for expanding exports and strengthening supply chains.
APEDA’s Strategy for GI Promotion
The initiative aligns with APEDA’s broader strategy of promoting India’s GI-tagged products in international markets. By facilitating direct market linkages between producer societies and global buyers, APEDA aims to expand value-added agricultural exports.
Officials indicated that similar flag-offs for other GI-tagged products are planned in the near future to enhance global visibility and strengthen India’s agri-export ecosystem.
Strengthening Brand India in Agriculture
The export of GI-tagged Salem Sago to Canada reflects growing international recognition of India’s region-specific products. GI certification not only safeguards authenticity but also enhances consumer trust in overseas markets.
With rising global demand for traditional and specialty foods, structured support from institutions like APEDA is expected to open new opportunities for Indian farmers and producer groups.
The successful shipment from Salem underscores the importance of quality assurance, branding, and coordinated export facilitation in boosting rural incomes and positioning India as a reliable supplier of premium agri-products.
