Jaipur, Aug. 15 -- Barmer MP Ummeda Ram Beniwal has urged the Centre to review the GI registration of "Unjha" cumin and saunf over concerns raised by the state's farmers, who have said objected to the linkage with a market town in neighbouring Gujarat. The matter was raised on Tuesday under Rule 377. The MP's submission noted that Rajasthan is among the country's key producers of both spices. As per available estimates for 2025-26, the state is expected to produce around 694,000 tonnes of cumin from around a million hectares and 48,456 tonnes of fennel from 42,298 hectares. Barmer is one of the country's major cumin-producing districts, with the crop cultivated across nearly 275,000 hectares, producing an estimated 1.375 million quintals annually, with an approximate market value of Rs.2,750 crore. Beniwal raised concerns over the GI registration of "Unjha Jeera" and "Unjha Saunf" being linked to the Unjha Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Gujarat, a major spice trading hub. He said this could leave Rajasthan's traditional growers at a disadvantage, as they may not be able to fully benefit from GI-linked branding, market recognition, value addition and premium pricing despite the state being a major production centre for both crops. The issue comes amid growing demands from farmers and agricultural stakeholders in Barmer for formal recognition of the district's cumin, which they say has developed a distinct identity through decades of cultivation. Farmers argue that a GI tag for Barmer cumin would strengthen its identity in domestic and international markets, protect its regional reputation and potentially improve market opportunities and returns for growers. The demand for GI recognition for Barmer cumin has also backed by agricultural research. Researchers at Agriculture University, Jodhpur, have studied the distinctive characteristics of Barmer cumin and submitted a proposal to the Rajasthan government recommending GI registration. The region's arid climate, sandy soil and traditional farming practices are considered to contribute to the unique aroma, flavour and quality of its cumin....