An initiative by Devgad Taluka Mango Growers Cooperative Society Limited to Eliminate Counterfeits Mangoes being Sold as Devgad Hapus
PUNE: In a move to protect the authenticity of Devgad Alphonso (Hapus) mangoes, the Devgad Taluka Mango Growers Cooperative Society Limited, the registered proprietor and custodian of the Alphonso GI (Geographical Indication) tag, has announced the implementation of a Tamper Proof UID Seal (TP Seal) system for all Devgad Hapus/ Devgad Alphonso Mangoes. Now every genuine Devgad Alphonso (Hapus) mango must compulsorily carry the TP Seal stickers if they have to be sold and marketed as Devgad Alphonso or Devgad Hapus.
This initiative aims to eliminate the sale of counterfeit/fake mangoes that are routinely being marketed and sold by Devgad Alphonso (Hapus) and ensure that consumers receive only genuine, GI-certified mangoes from Devgad as Devgad Alphonso or Devgad Hapus.
Adv. Omkar M Sapre, Board Member of the Society, said, “The Devgad Alphonso mango, grown in Devgad Taluka of Sindhudurg district has created a name for itself for over a century and commands a premium in the market for its unique aroma and taste. However, over 80% of the mangoes being sold as Devgad Hapus today are not actually from Devgad. Over the last three decades, inferior mangoes grown in other regions have been blatantly and routinely sold in the name of Devgad Hapus. This robs the Devgad farmers of their rightful market share, creating severe social, and economic issues. Therefore, Devgad Taluka Mango Growers Cooperative Society Limited was compelled to take this step in the exercise of the rights and powers available to the Society under the provisions of the Geographical Indications Act 1999, as the registered proprietor of the Alphonso GI.”
The Society has collaborated with Mumbai-based Sun Solutions, a company specializing in patented UID technology, to introduce this stringent identification mechanism.
How Does The TP Seal UID System Works
The Society issued TP Seal UIDs to every GI-registered farmer from Devgad equivalent to their number of trees and their production capacity. Farmers are expected to apply these UIDs to each of their mangoes being sent to the market.
- Each sticker contains a unique alphanumeric code split into two sections—one on top of the sticker and another below the sticker.
- Consumers can verify the authenticity of their mangoes through WhatsApp, by sending a photograph of the sticker via WhatsApp to +91 9167 668899.
- The system reads the sticker and asks the user to write the second part of the number that is at the back. The sticker automatically splits into two parts when removed.
- If the full code matches with the TP Seal UID in the system, the consumer gets an automatic response, with details such as the farmer’s or Vendor’s name, Village of Origin, GI Registration Number, etc.
This verification process will enhance consumer confidence and protect the reputation of the globally renowned Devgad Alphonso mango.
Strict Legal Measures Against Counterfeit Sales.
The Society has warned that any sale of mangoes under the Devgad Alphonso (Hapus) name without proper GI registration and UID will be treated as a serious offense under the provisions of the GI Act 1999 and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023.
Under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 (GI Act):
- Sections 39 and 40 prohibit the sale of goods with false GI marks, making the act punishable by up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹2 lakh.
- Section 50 classifies these offenses as cognizable, meaning strict legal action can be taken against violators.
Additionally, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS):
- Section 349 and Section 350 penalize the intentional sale of goods with a counterfeit property mark or false markings, with imprisonment ranging from one year to three years and/or a fine.
Traders, middlemen, and retailers are strictly advised not to engage in fraudulent sales. The Society has made it clear that strict action will be taken against any entity found misrepresenting non-GI mangoes as Devgad Alphonso.
