More T.N.-based products get GI tag; cashew, jackfruit, small onions, rice among applicants

Cashew being processed at a factory in Panruti. File
| Photo Credit: S.S. KUMAR

In a significant boost to the rich agricultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, six unique products from the State have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags. These products, each deeply rooted in the region’s culture and history, include Panruti cashew, Panruti palappazham (jackfruit), Chettikulam small onion, Puliyangudi acid lime, Viruthunagar samba vathal, and Ramanadu Chithiraikar rice. A majority of these applications were filed by the regional associations along with the Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board and facilitated by NABARD Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum, Madurai.

An application for the GI tag for Panruti jackfruit was initially filed in 2016, but it was withdrawn in 2020 due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, it was announced that a fresh application would be submitted once conditions allowed. A fresh application was filed in 2022 by the Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board and Maligampattu Farmer Producer Association and was facilitated by NABARD Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum.

Commercial cultivation of jackfruit is primarily concentrated in Panruti, where many farmers grow it as a mono-crop. Traditional varieties of jackfruit in the region bear fruit once a year, with flowering typically occurring between mid-November and mid-February. Tender jackfruit is available in the market from March to August, with the fruits ripening from June onward, though some late varieties may ripen as late as October.

Recognizing the potential of jackfruit, the Tamil Nadu government in its Agriculture budget 2024-25 mentioned: “There is huge potential for producing value-added products from jackfruit. Hence, to produce and export various value-added products of jackfruit, a value addition centre with necessary infrastructure facilities will be established at Panruti at a cost of ₹16.13 crore from the Union and State government funds.”

The Panruti cashew, which has now been awarded the GI tag, is celebrated for its sweet, mildly nutty flavor and its crisp yet tender texture. These unique traits set it apart from other cashew varieties, making it highly sought after in both domestic and international markets. This particular application was filed by the Tamil Nadu Cashew Processors and Exporters Association.

Chettikulam, a key hub for small onion (shallot) cultivation, is situated in the Aalathur block of Perambalur district. At the time of filing the GI application, data shows that the district’s significance in small onion cultivation is immense, with over 8,000 hectares dedicated to the crop, producing an annual yield of 65,000 to 70,000 tonnes. Puliyangudi is often referred to as the ‘Lemon City of Tamil Nadu’ due to its prominence in lime cultivation. This lime is small to medium in size, usually ranging from 4 to 6 cm in diameter. It has a round to slightly oval shape, with smooth, thin skin that turns a vibrant green when ripe.

The Virudhunagar Chillies Merchants Association had filed the application seeking GI tag for the Virudhunagar samba vathal. These chilies are bright red, spicy, and highly regarded for their distinct flavor. The local cultivation in Virudhunagar district plays a crucial role in the chili-processing industry, particularly for oleoresin extraction.

Ramanadu chithiraikar rice is a traditional variety of red rice, known for its ability to keep hunger at bay for several hours. This makes it a staple in many households, especially when prepared as a hearty, filling porridge.