Tamil Nadu to Obtain Geographical Indication tags for 10 Agricultural Products
Chennai, Feb 20 (IANS) – Tamil Nadu Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare M.R.K. Panneerselvam announced on Tuesday that the state will be obtaining Geographical Indication (GI) tags for 10 agricultural products native to Tamil Nadu. The minister revealed that a sum of Rs 30 lakh has been allocated for obtaining the GI tags as he presented the budget in the assembly.
The 10 agricultural products for which GI tags will be obtained include Sathayamangalam Red Banana (Erode), Kolli Hills Pepper (Namakkal), Meenambur Seeraga Samba (Ranipet), Ayyampalai Nettai Thennai (Dindigul), Urigam Puli (Krishnagiri), Bhuvanagiri Mithi Pagarkai (Cuddalore), Sencholam (Salem, Karur), Tirunelveli Senna Leaf (Tirunelveli), Odaipatti Seedless Grapes (Theni), Gloriosa Superba, and Senganthal seed (Karur, Dindigul, Tiruppur).
According to the minister, the state has already filed applications for GI tags for 25 agricultural products in the past three years. He emphasized that the GI tags would increase the demand for these unique agricultural products, ultimately benefiting the state’s agricultural sector and the farmers.
The move to obtain GI tags for these agricultural products aims to recognize and protect their unique geographical origin and traditional practices, which in turn will increase their value in the market. This will also benefit the farmers who are involved in the cultivation of these products. The announcement by the minister reflects the state government’s commitment to promoting and preserving the agricultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
The attainment of GI tags for these agricultural products is expected to contribute to the economic development of the state, while also highlighting the rich agricultural diversity of Tamil Nadu. This initiative signifies a significant step towards safeguarding the interests of the farming community and ensuring the sustainability of traditional agricultural practices in the region.
In conclusion, the decision to obtain GI tags for 10 agricultural products in Tamil Nadu is a strategic move that underscores the government’s efforts to protect and promote the state’s unique agricultural heritage. The initiative has the potential to significantly impact the agricultural sector in the state, and it demonstrates a proactive approach towards recognizing and preserving the indigenous agricultural practices of Tamil Nadu.
