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Key Points

In a significant push to enhance the recognition of Tamil Nadu's unique agricultural products, NABARD and MABIF are backing GI tag applications for four traditional crops. These include the Sevur Groundnut, Kalakadu Banana, Kallidaikurichi Appalam, and Adhanakotai Cashew, each with distinctive qualities tied to their regional heritage. With the expertise of IPR attorney P. Sanjai Gandhi, these applications aim to protect the products' uniqueness while boosting their market potential. GI recognition is anticipated to foster economic growth and preserve traditional knowledge for the communities involved.

Key Points: NABARD and MABIF Seek GI Tags for TN's Unique Crops

  • NABARD and MABIF support GI applications for four TN products
  • Sevur Groundnut, Kalakadu Banana, Kallidaikurichi Appalam, Adhanakotai Cashew spotlighted
  • GI tags boost market, protect traditions
  • Tamil Nadu aims for economic growth and cultural preservation
2 min read

Four TN specialists seek GI tag with NABARD, MABIF support

NABARD and MABIF file for GI tags for Sevur Groundnut, Kalakadu Banana, Kallidaikurichi Appalam, and Adhanakotai Cashew to promote Tamil Nadu's agri-products.

"The GI tag will boost recognition and protect traditional knowledge. - P. Sanjai Gandhi"

Madurai, May 14

In a bid to promote and protect local agricultural and food products, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum (MABIF) have jointly facilitated applications for Geographical Indication (GI) tags for four unique products from Tamil Nadu - Sevur Groundnut, Kalakadu Banana, Kallidaikurichi Appalam, and Adhanakotai Cashew.

IPR attorney P. Sanjai Gandhi filed the GI applications on behalf of the respective producer associations and facilitators. The Sevur Nilakkadalai Urpathiyalargal Sangam has applied for a GI tag for Sevur Groundnut, cultivated in Sevur village and nearby areas in Kangeyam taluk, Tiruppur.

This semi-arid region with red loamy and sandy soil is ideal for groundnut farming.

Spread across 4,600 acres and expanding up to 10,000 acres during peak seasons, the crop is usually grown once a year, sown in September and harvested in November.

In irrigated areas, it is cultivated twice annually. The yield ranges from 1,000 to 1,800 kg per hectare. The Kalakadu Banana, cultivated in the coastal Kalakad region of Tirunelveli, is known for its quality and export value.

The Kalakadu Banana Urpathiyalargal Sangam, the applicant, highlighted that the region's tropical climate and fertile alluvial soil produce bananas of superior taste and texture.

The fruit typically measures 15-18 cm in length, 3-4.5 cm in diameter, and weighs between 100-150 grams. Kallidaikurichi Appalam, a traditional papad, is made from finely ground black gram, salt, and asafoetida, and uses water sourced from the Tamirabarani River.

The Kallidaikurichi Appalam Urpathiyalargal Sangam stated that the product sustains local cottage industries, with many families involved in its production for generations.

Lastly, Adhanakotai Cashew, grown in Pudukkottai district, is known for its rich taste and distinctive smoky flavour, owing to traditional hand-roasting methods. The Adhanakotai Cashew Vaazhai Urpathiyalargal has applied for its GI recognition, citing the region's favourable climate and soil.

The GI tag is expected to boost market recognition, protect traditional knowledge, and enhance economic prospects for these communities.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is fantastic news! Tamil Nadu's agricultural heritage deserves recognition. I've tasted Kallidaikurichi Appalam during my visit to Madurai - the texture and flavor are unmatched. GI tag will help preserve these traditional foods. 🙏
P
Priya M.
As someone working in agri-business, I appreciate NABARD's initiative. However, the government should also ensure small farmers benefit directly from GI tags, not just middlemen. The application process should be made simpler for actual cultivators.
K
Karthik S.
Sevur groundnuts are the best! My grandmother used to get them specially from Tiruppur. With GI tag, hopefully more people across India will get to taste these authentic flavors. Jai Tamil Nadu agriculture! 🌱
S
Saranya V.
Wonderful to see traditional knowledge getting protected. My question - will there be proper monitoring to ensure quality standards after GI tag is granted? We've seen cases where certification doesn't always translate to maintained quality.
M
Manoj T.
The Tamirabarani River water giving unique taste to Appalam shows how deeply our food is connected to local geography. Hope this leads to more research on indigenous agricultural practices across India.
A
Anitha R.
As a food blogger, I'm excited! GI tags help tell the story behind these products. Can't wait to feature Kalakadu Banana in my next post - the perfect balance of sweetness and texture makes it special. More power to our farmers! 💪

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