Devgad Alphonso mangoes to feature tamper-proof UID seal for authenticity

In a bid 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 introduced a Tamper-Proof UID Seal (TP Seal) system for all Devgad Hapus/Devgad Alphonso mangoes.

Under this new rule, every genuine Devgad Alphonso (Hapus) mango must carry the TP Seal sticker to be legally sold and marketed as Devgad Alphonso or Devgad Hapus. The initiative aims to curb the sale of counterfeit mangoes and ensure that consumers receive only GI-certified Devgad Alphonso mangoes.

Members of the Devgad Taluka Mango Growers Cooperative Society Limited have raised concerns over the rampant misrepresentation of Devgad Alphonso (Hapus) mangoes, a variety that has built its prestigious reputation for over a century. Grown in Devgad Taluka of Sindhudurg district, these mangoes are renowned for their distinct aroma and exceptional taste, commanding a premium price in the market.

However, the society revealed a staggering reality—over 80 per cent of mangoes being sold as Devgad Hapus today do not actually originate from Devgad. For the past three decades, inferior-quality mangoes from other regions have been routinely passed off as Devgad Alphonso, depriving local farmers of their rightful market share and leading to severe social and economic consequences.

In response, the society has exercised its legal authority under the Geographical Indications Act, 1999, as the registered proprietor of the Alphonso GI tag, to introduce a Tamper-Proof UID Seal (TP Seal) system.

How UID works

 The Devgad Taluka Mango Growers Cooperative Society issues Tamper-Proof UID (TP Seal) stickers to GI-registered farmers, based on their tree count and production capacity. Farmers must apply these stickers to each mango before sending them to market.

Each TP Seal sticker contains a unique alphanumeric code split into two sections—one visible on top and another hidden beneath. Consumers can verify authenticity via WhatsApp by sending a photo of the sticker. The system then prompts them to enter the hidden code, which is revealed when the sticker is removed.

If the codes match the registered TP Seal UID, the consumer receives an automatic confirmation with details such as the farmer’s or vendor’s name, village of origin, and GI registration number.

This system prevents counterfeiting, enhances consumer confidence, and safeguards the reputation of Devgad Alphonso mangoes.