Barmer, Aug. 1 -- Farmers in Rajasthan's largest cumin-producing district have renewed their demand for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Barmer cumin after the GI Registry granted geographical recognition to Unjha Jeera in Gujarat. Growers argue that while Barmer produces one of the country's largest cumin crops, the spice continues to be identified in domestic and international markets under the name of Unjha, depriving local farmers of recognition and better prices. Spread across nearly 2.75 lakh hectares, Barmer produces an estimated 1.375 million quintals of cumin every year, with an annual market value of around Rs.2,750 crore. Despite this massive contribution, the district has never developed a distinct market identity because most of its produce is traded through Unjha Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Gujarat, India's largest spice trading hub. Farmers say that over the years, the trading centre has become synonymous with cumin, while the region that actually grows the crop has remained invisible. "Our cumin is cultivated in Barmer, but its identity belongs to someone else," said Hindu Singh Tamlor, member of Bhartiya Kisan Sangh and also president of district Sarpanch Sangh, questioning why recognition should go to the mandi where the crop is sold instead of the district where it is produced. The recent GI registration for Unjha cumin has intensified the resentment among farmers in western Rajasthan. They fear the certification could further strengthen the branding of Unjha in domestic and export markets while leaving Barmer producers without any geographical identity or premium associated with origin-based products. Barmer's arid climate, sandy soil and traditional cultivation practices are considered ideal for cumin production. Agricultural scientists say these natural characteristics impart a aroma, flavour and quality to the spice grown in the district. Researchers at Agriculture University, Jodhpur, have already studied the unique characteristics of Barmer cumin and submitted a proposal to the Rajasthan government recommending GI registration. They believe the district possesses all the essential geographical and scientific attributes required for GI protection. Farmers say a GI tag would provide Barmer cumin with legal protection, prevent misuse of its identity, improve market value, create export opportunities and ensure that growers receive the recognition they deserve. Boraram, farmer from Alapura village, said Barmer's natural conditions make its cumin unique. "Cumin is cultivated on a large scale in Barmer. Our soil and climatic conditions are unique. If the crop is produced here, its identity should also be linked to Barmer." Vijay Singh, another member of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh from Luhba village, said excluding Barmer from GI recognition was unfair to thousands of growers. He said "A GI tag represents the identity of a region. Leaving out one of the country's largest cumin-producing districts is injustice to farmers. The government should reconsider this decision." Dharmaram, farmer from Chaubala, said farmers suffer both financially and emotionally when their produce is marketed under another region's name adding that, "We work throughout the year to produce quality cumin, but in the market it is recognised under another region's name. This causes both psychological and commercial losses." Revatram, another farmer, said a GI tag would transform the district's agricultural image. Ram said "Barmer cumin is already known for its quality. If the district receives a GI tag, the crop will get its own identity and the entire region will benefit in the future." Farmer organisations say the issue is about ensuring justice for producers who have built Barmer's reputation through decades of cultivation. "We do not want our cumin to be known by another region's name," farmers said. "We want the world to recognise it as Barmer Cumin." A delegation led by District Congress Committee president Laxman Singh Gadora also submitted a memorandum to the Barmer District Collector, addressed to the Prime Minister, demanding a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Barmer cumin and the establishment of a dedicated cumin mandi in the district. demanding GI tag....