Are You Eating Real Devgad Mangoes? Now Easily Track Each Mango’s Origin on WhatsApp With UID Codes
Image credit: ANI
In a groundbreaking move to protect the authenticity of Devgad Alphonso mangoes, the Devgad Taluka Mango Growers Cooperative Society Limited has introduced a tamper-proof UID (Unique Identification) seal system. This initiative aims to ensure that only genuine Devgad Alphonso (Hapus) mangoes, renowned for their exceptional aroma and taste, reach consumers.
The new system mandates that every mango sold as Devgad Alphonso must carry a TP Seal sticker. These stickers, equipped with unique alphanumeric codes, allow consumers to verify the authenticity of the mangoes via WhatsApp. This step is expected to curb the rampant sale of counterfeit mangoes falsely marketed as Devgad Alphonso, a problem that has plagued the industry for decades.
The Problem: Counterfeit Mangoes Hurting Farmers
For over a century, Devgad Alphonso mangoes have been celebrated for their superior quality. However, the society revealed a shocking truth—more than 80% of mangoes sold as Devgad Hapus are not sourced from Devgad. Inferior-quality mangoes from other regions are often fraudulently sold under the Devgad Alphonso name, depriving local farmers of their rightful market share and causing significant economic challenges.
Omkar M Sapre, a board member of the society, emphasized the need for this initiative. “The Devgad Alphonso has a legacy of over 100 years, but counterfeit sales have tarnished its reputation. This system will protect our GI rights and ensure farmers get their due,” he said.
How the UID System Works
- Step 1: Each GI-registered farmer receives TP Seal UID stickers based on their production capacity.
- Step 2: Farmers affix these stickers to every mango before sending them to market.
- Step 3: Consumers can verify authenticity by sending a photo of the sticker via WhatsApp to +91 9167 668899.
- Step 4: The system prompts the consumer to enter the hidden code from the back of the sticker.
- Step 5: If the codes match, the consumer receives an automatic response with details like the farmer’s name, village, and GI registration number.
This innovative system not only prevents counterfeiting but also reinforces consumer confidence in the authenticity of Devgad Alphonso mangoes.
Legal Consequences for Violations
The society has warned that selling mangoes under the Devgad Alphonso name without proper GI registration or UID stickers will lead to strict legal action. Under the Geographical Indications Act, 1999, and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, offenders face penalties including:
- Up to three years of imprisonment.
- Fines of up to Rs 2 lakh.
- Legal enforcement under cognizable offences.
Retailers, middlemen, and traders have been urged to refrain from misrepresenting non-GI mangoes as Devgad Alphonso.
A Step Toward Protecting a Legacy
This initiative marks a significant step in safeguarding the legacy of Devgad Alphonso mangoes. By leveraging technology and legal frameworks, the society aims to restore the trust of consumers and ensure that the premium mangoes they purchase are genuinely from Devgad.
As the mango season approaches, consumers can look forward to enjoying the authentic taste of Devgad Alphonso, knowing that each mango carries a seal of authenticity.
