Allahabad Surkha Guava – GI Tag Special Covers -India 2021
“Allahabad sebiya” or “Allahabad surkha” as it is popularly known is an apple-shaped guava that is unique and different as compared to guavas grown in other parts of India. This has a juicy succulent deep pink colour inside instead of the typical white colour and an apple-red exterior and hence, the name “surkha” (meaning red).
One of the reasons for the Allahabad guava to be so delicious is the soil in which it is grown in the Kaushambi district. Guava is grown on an area of about 300 hectares in Doaba in Kaushambi district of undivided Allahabad. Here Muratganj and Chail block have been declared by the government as a fruit board. These two blocks alone account for 75 per cent of the horticulture occurring across the district. About 50 tonnes of fruits are sent to the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and others every day during the season.
The craze for Allahabad guava remains unaltered over the years even with the recent name change to Prayagraj. In addition to the surkha, Allahabad guava also has its own identity in the other varieties of safeda, narma and patta.
Allahabad Surkha Guava was given the Geographical Indication Tag (GI) in 2007 – 08 for its sweet smell and irresistible taste.
A Special Cover was issued by India Post UP Circle on Allahabad Surkha Guava (GI TAG 50) on 13 Oct 2021.
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