Cashew cashew processing at the Panruti factory. File | Photo Credit: SS Kumar
Six unique products from the state have been granted a geographical indication (GI) in a significant strengthening of the rich agricultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. These products, each of which are deeply rooted in the culture and history of the region, include Panruti Cashew, Panruti Palappazham (Jackfruit), Hittikalam Small Onion, Puliyangudi Acid Lime, Viruthunagar Samba Vathal and Ramanad Chithiraikar Rice. Most of these applications were submitted by regional associations together with the State Agricultural Council of Tamil Nadu and facilitated with Nabrai Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum, Madurai.
The GI request for the Jackfruit Panruti brand was originally submitted in 2016, but was withdrawn in 2020 due to disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemia. At that time it was announced that a new application would be submitted after the permitted conditions. In 2022, he submitted a fresh application by the State Agricultural Marketing Council of Tamil Nadu and the Association of Maligampath farmers and was facilitated by the Nabard Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum.
The commercial cultivation of jackfruit is primarily concentrated in Panruti, where many farmers grow it as a mono-cob. Traditional varieties of jackfruit in the region carry fruit once a year, with flowering usually occurs between mid -November and in mid -February. The Jackfruit offer is available on the market from March to August, while the fruit of maturation from June further, although some late varieties can mature in October.
Recognizing the Potential of Jackfruit, The Tamil Nadu Government in Its Agriculture Budget 2024-25 Mentioned: “Ther is Huge Potential for Value-Added Products from Jackfruit. Addition Center with Necessary Infrastructure Facillities Will Be Establoyed at Panruti at and Cost of ₹ 16.13 Crore from the Union and State Government Funds. ”
Panruti Cashew, which has now been awarded the GI brand, is celebrated for its sweet, slightly walnut taste and fresh but fine texture. These unique properties distinguish it from other varieties of cashew, which is very popular in domestic and international markets. This specific request was submitted by processors and exporters Tamil over Cashew.
Hitticalam, a key hub for growing small onions (shallots), is located in the Aaurathur block in the Perembalur district. At the time of the application for GI, the data show that the importance of the district in the cultivation of small onions is huge, with more than 8,000 hectares devoted to the crop and creates an annual yield of 65,000 to 70,000 tonnes. Puliyangudi is often referred to as the “lemon city of Tamil over” because of its importance in lime growing. This lime is small and medium size, usually on average 4 to 6 cm. It has a round to slightly oval shape, with a smooth, thin skin that tightens when maturing green.
The Virudhunagar Chillies Association filed a request that was looking for the GI for Virudhunagar Samba Vathal. These chils are bright red, spicy and highly evaluated for their clear taste. Local cultivation in the Virudhunagar district plays a key role in the Chili sector, especially 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. As a result, it is a clamp in many households, especially when it is ready to fill porridge.
Published – April 3 2025 9:40
