**Executive Summary**
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first export of GI-tagged Salem Sago from Salem, Tamil Nadu to Canada, consisting of 0.5 MT of product. This export was the first direct shipment from the GI Authorised User, SAGOSERVE, following the product's GI tag acquisition in March 2023. An export-focused programme was held on 18 February 2026 in Salem to explore exports to other key markets.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Export and GI Tag:**
* APEDA facilitated the export of 0.5 MT of GI-tagged Salem Sago from Salem, Tamil Nadu, to Canada.
* This marked the first direct export by the GI Authorised User, SAGOSERVE, after receiving the GI tag in March 2023.
* **Salem Sago and SAGOSERVE:**
* Tamil Nadu is the largest Tapioca Sago producer; Salem is the hub.
* SAGOSERVE obtained GI registration for Salem Sago in March 2023.
* SAGOSERVE has 334 member-manufacturers and provides services to enhance tapioca cultivation and processing.
* **Industry Impact and Future Plans:**
* Salem's sago industry supports numerous farmers, including tribal communities.
* Direct export opportunities aim to improve price realisation and income prospects for farmers.
* An export-focused programme was held in Salem on 18 February 2026, to explore exports to other key markets.
* More such flag-offs are planned in the near term to promote GI-tagged products.
**Impact Analysis**
**SAGOSERVE (GI Authorised User)**
* **Impact:** Gained direct export capabilities for GI-tagged Salem Sago.
* **Action Required:** Continue to leverage the GI tag and direct export channel to expand market reach and value-added agri exports.
**Salem Sago Farmers/Tapioca Cultivators**
* **Impact:** Potential for improved price realisation and income prospects through direct export opportunities.
* **Action Required:** Participate in initiatives to link GI-certified production with export opportunities and enhance tapioca cultivation practices.
**International Buyers**
* **Impact:** Access to value-added, GI-tagged Salem Sago directly from the producer society.
* **Action Required:** Establish direct market linkages with SAGOSERVE to facilitate ongoing trade of GI-tagged Salem Sago.
Key Entities Referenced
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA): The central authority facilitating the export of GI-tagged products, particularly Salem Sago, and operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries.
SAGOSERVE: The Salem Starch and Sago Manufacturers' Service Industrial Cooperative Society Limited, the GI Authorised User for Salem Sago, involved in production, marketing, and export.
Salem Sago: A geographically indicated (GI) tagged product from Salem, Tamil Nadu, made from tapioca, and the subject of the facilitated export.
Tamil Nadu: The state where Salem, the hub of sago production, is located and the origin of the exported Salem Sago.
Canada: The destination country for the first direct export consignment of GI-tagged Salem Sago.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
APEDA Facilitated flag-off of first GI-Tagged
Salem Sago consignment from Tamil Nadu to
Canada
Posted On: 19 FEB 2026 5:47PM by PIB Delhi
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the
Ministry of Commerce and Industries, facilitated the export of 0.5 MT of GI-tagged Salem Sago from
Salem, Tamil Nadu to Canada. This marked the first export consignment shipped directly by the GI
Authorised User, SAGOSERVE, since the product received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag in March
2023.
Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of Tapioca Sago, also commonly known as Sabudhana. Salem has long
been recognised as the hub of the country’s sago and starch industry. Sago is derived from tapioca roots
and serves as a staple food across several parts of India.
The GI registration for Salem Sago was obtained in March 2023 by SAGOSERVE under the Government
of Tamil Nadu. The Society has 334 registered member-manufacturers and plays a significant role in the
marketing of sago and starch produced by its members and also provides essential service facilities such
as warehousing, quality improvement measures and initiatives to enhance tapioca cultivation and sago
processing standards.
The sago industry in Salem sustains a large number of farmers, including tribal communities engaged in
tapioca cultivation. By linking GI-certified production with direct export opportunities, the initiative
improved price realisation and strengthened income prospects for farming households dependent on
tapioca cultivation.
Traditionally, Salem Sago has been supplied to traders in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and West
Bengal and exported to countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Vietnam and Singapore. However, this
shipment marked the first direct export from the GI Authorised User Society itself.
An export-focused programme was also held at the premises of The Salem Starch and Sago
Manufacturers’ Service Industrial Cooperative Society Limited (SAGOSERVE) in Salem, Tamil Nadu on
18 February 2026, to explore exports to other key markets.
The initiative aligned with APEDA’s strategy of promoting GI-tagged products, enabling direct market
linkages between producer societies and international buyers and expanding value-added agri exports
from India, and more such flag-offs are planned in the near term.
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Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Shabbir Azad
(Release ID: 2230307) Visitor Counter : 630
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