Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Monday, 26 May 2025

Devgad Alphonso mangoes

 Devgad Alphonso mangoes to carry UID codes

Article link:

Extract from the article:
The article highlights an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing the authenticity and traceability of the famous Devgad Alphonso mangoes by embedding Unique Identification (UID) codes on their packaging. This move promises to empower consumers with the ability to verify the provenance of their fruit, thereby curbing counterfeit products and protecting the reputation of the prized mango variety. The UID codes will be scannable digital identifiers linked to a centralized database containing detailed information about the mango’s origin, harvest date, and supply chain details. This marks a significant shift towards leveraging technology and digital traceability in agricultural produce, ensuring transparency and improving consumer confidence.

Moreover, the scheme embodies a larger trend of integrating digital identity tools, traditionally used for individuals, into supply chains and product authentication. By assigning UID codes to individual mango batches, the initiative aims to foster trust among buyers, authenticate origin, and possibly improve market access for farmers through verified branding. This effort is expected to not only support the mango growers economically but also drive broader acceptance of e-governance and technological applications in rural agriculture. The article also touches on the increasing demand for such technologically empowered solutions amid the growing global focus on food safety, provenance, and supply chain integrity.

My Take:
A. Eye of E-Governance
"Back in 2016, I envisioned the transformative potential of assigning Unique Identity Numbers—not just to individuals but also to corporate entities and products—through digital lockers and mobile apps aimed at the digitally disenfranchised. The idea of a Digital Locker Project and universal identifiers was to bring all relevant credentials and verification tools under one accessible mobile umbrella, even benefitting illiterate populations."

Reflecting on the current initiative to embed UID codes on Alphonso mangoes, it is fascinating to witness the fruition of these early concepts. The project exemplifies how unique digital identification can extend beyond personal identity to safeguard product authenticity and protect regional specialties. I had anticipated that such governance tools would be vital in sectors where provenance matters deeply, such as agriculture and food branding. This alignment of my earlier suggestions with present technology adoption bolsters my belief in the pervasive relevance of UID-linked transparency mechanisms.

B. Aadhaar, UIDAI & Virtual ID
"In 2018, I discussed how the UIDAI’s introduction of Virtual ID aimed at improving privacy and security by abstracting the direct use of Aadhaar numbers, enabling safer authentication practices. The concept was a breath of fresh air in identity protection, ensuring users could continue to verify identities without compromising personal data."

Connecting this idea to the horticultural UID system in the Alphonso mangoes context, the parallel is unmistakable. The UID codes on mangoes serve a purpose analogous to Virtual IDs: they allow stakeholders and consumers to authenticate authenticity without exposing underlying sensitive data. This highlights how principles derived from human digital identity management—such as controlled disclosure, traceability, and security—are now critical to product ecosystems. Thus, I see the inherence of my thoughts about identity architecture directly influencing and explaining the logic behind these product traceability innovations.

Call to Action:
To the agricultural policymakers, farmer cooperatives, and technology innovators spearheading this UID integration for Devgad Alphonso mangoes—expand and accelerate this digital identity framework to other regional specialties and agricultural goods. Establish standardized certification protocols linked to UID codes to facilitate nationwide and global trust in India’s unique produce. Additionally, coordinate with consumer agencies and tech developers to create user-friendly applications that enable instant provenance verification. Together, these efforts can enact an ecosystem where authenticity, farmer welfare, and consumer confidence thrive symbiotically.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

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