COVER N. 461 - INDIA

Postmark: Ahmedabad G.P.O. Philatelic Bureau 18.05.2024

Posted on the 18th May; received on the 31st May 2024

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What a  nice handwriting... I am always awed by the ability  some people have of  writing as if they were drawing as it is the case illustrated by the address on this letter... beautiful stuff! Khuba khuba ābhāra, Dilip!

Products with a Protected Designation of Origin, a EU and UK certified label, are products that are part of the culture and traditions (mainly gastronomic) of the restricted region in which they are produced, such a classification  being a way of ensuring their sustainability and preservation as well as contributing to their popularisation and market penetration.

I would imagine that a similar classification scheme is awarded by other countries in the world to products produced locally which have specific charateristics linked to the region wherein they are produced.

That is probably the case with the fruits that take the stage in the stamps that Dilip used on this cover. In fact, the  mini-sheet comprising twelve 5 Rupee stamps of which they are part of, issued on 12FEB2023, is entitled "Geographical Indications. Agricultural goods".

e stamps on the cover correspond to the middle strip of the sheet and they highlight, from left to right:

Mahabaleshwar Strawberries. 

Quoting direct from wikipedia "Mahabaleshwar strawberry is a strawberry grown in the hilly slopes of Mahabaleshwar, [in the state of Maharashtra] accounting for about 85 percent of the total strawberry produced in India". Production reaches about 30,000 Tons per year, which is a lot of strawberries, by all accounts.

They obtained the Geographic Indication tag in 2010. 

Allahabad Surkha Guava 

The Allahabad Surkha Guava are distinct from the regular Gouava by the fact that they have a deep pink flesh, and an  apple red  skin. They are cultivated in Allahabad, in the sate of Uttar Pradesh.

It obtained the Geographic Indication tag in 2007.

Shahi Litchi of Bihar

The pulp of these fruits is considered to have a rose scented aroma, and they are produced in the Muzaffarpur District, in the state of Bihar. 

It obtained the Geographic Indication tag in 2018.

Naga Tree Tomato

Locally called Si Binyano or Khwüdi,  the Naga tree tomato (known as tamarillo in most places) is a fruit that has its origins in the Andean region of South America. In India, it is generally cultivated in the State of Nagaland in kitchen gardens, and amongst other culinary uses it is at the heart of a famous chutney. 

It was given the Geographic Indication tag in 2015.

Postage was completed with a 15 Rupee definitive stamp of the series "Creators of India" issued on 2020, honouring Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (1931-2015), the 11th President of India - 2002 to 2007 - who was  an aerospace scientist who was influential in the development of India's ballistic missile capabilities and nuclear test programmes.