First GI-Tagged Salem Sago Exported to Canada

🚢 Milestone Export: Salem Sago Reaches Canada

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, has successfully facilitated the export of 0.5 MT of GI-tagged Salem Sago from Salem, Tamil Nadu, to Canada.

This historic shipment marks the first export consignment shipped directly by the GI Authorised User, SAGOSERVE, since the product was awarded its Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

0.5 MT Export Volume

Canada Destination

Mar 2023 GI Tag Received

🌿 What is Salem Sago (Sabudana)?

Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of Tapioca Sago in India, commonly known across the country as Sabudhana. Salem is widely recognized as the central hub of India's sago and starch industry.

🍠 The Source

Sago is derived entirely from tapioca roots and serves as a staple food, especially during fasting periods in various parts of India.

🏭 About SAGOSERVE

Operating under the Government of Tamil Nadu, SAGOSERVE has 334 registered member-manufacturers. It plays a pivotal role in marketing, warehousing, and quality improvement.

👩‍🌾 Socio-Economic Impact

The initiative aligns with APEDA’s broader strategy of expanding value-added agricultural exports and establishing direct market linkages.

Empowering Farmers: The Salem sago industry sustains thousands of farmers, prominently including tribal communities engaged in tapioca cultivation.
Income Enhancement: Linking GI-certified production directly with international buyers improves price realization and strengthens income prospects for farming households.
Global Footprint: Traditionally exported through middlemen to the USA, UK, Vietnam, and Singapore, this direct export framework sets a new precedent for producer societies.