Tamil Nadu government to seek GI tag for 10 farm products
The Tamil Nadu government will seek Geographical Indication (GI) tags for 10 agricultural products known for their unique qualities and strong links to specific regions of the state, Agriculture Minister R. Vinoth said.
The products selected for GI registration are Kancheepuram Parimilagai, Poyyur Kathiri from Nagapattinam, Chidambaram Black Gram, Karumandurai Kadukkai, Thiruvaiyaru Elai Vazhai, Eraiyur Karunai Kilangu, Cuddalore Vettiver, Manapparai Brinjal, Ooty Garlic and Javvadhu Pei Sesame.
Vinoth, in a statement, said the government would allocate Rs 30 lakh to complete the documentation, research and other procedures required to secure GI recognition.
The initiative is intended to protect the identity of these traditional products, improve their market visibility and help cultivators secure better prices.
A GI tag identifies a product as originating from a particular geographical area and recognises the special characteristics, reputation or production methods associated with that location.
The proposed registrations are expected to prevent misuse of the product names and strengthen branding opportunities for local farmers and producer groups.
The minister also announced the construction of nine seed storage godowns across seven districts at a total cost of Rs 11.64 crore. The facilities are aimed at preserving the quality, germination capacity and vigour of seeds procured from farmers.
Two godowns will be established at Kattuthottam and Pattukkottai in Thanjavur district. The other facilities will come up at Nagamangalam in Mayiladuthurai, Vellalaviduthi in Pudukkottai, Papparapatti in Dharmapuri, Danishpet in Salem, Madathukulam in Tiruppur, and Kanchikudikadu and Keerandhi in Tiruvarur district.
As part of efforts to modernise cooperative sugar mills, swing-type fibrizer units fitted with motors will be installed at the Kallakurichi-I Cooperative Sugar Mill in Moongilthuraipattu and the Tiruttani Cooperative Sugar Mill in Thiruvalangadu.
The two units will cost Rs 8.58 crore. The equipment will replace low-efficiency fibrizers currently in use.
Officials expect the upgrade to minimise sugar loss through bagasse and improve overall sugar recovery at the mills.
Vinoth also announced a Rs 60-lakh programme for trial cultivation of high-pungency chilli varieties under irrigated conditions. The initiative will be implemented in Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Tenkasi and Tirunelveli, where insufficient rainfall frequently affects chilli production. The trials are expected to identify suitable varieties and cultivation practices that can help farmers maintain productivity despite erratic rainfall.
