Warangal Chapata chilli from Telangana has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the GI Registry, Government of India. It is also known as Tomato chilli due to its bright red colour and tomato-like round shape. This achievement marks a significant milestone for region’s agricultural heritage.
Key Highlights
GI Registration:
- 18th produce from Telangana and the 665th in India to receive GI registration.
- It is third agricultural product from Telangana to get a GI tag, after Banaganapalli mango and Tandur Reg Gram.
Application Details:
- GI application number 984 was filed in 2022.
- Filed by Thimmampet Chilli Farmer Producer Company Limited, Janna Reddy Venkat Reddy Horticultural Research Station, Malyal, Mahabubabad, and Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University.
Varieties:
- The chilli exists in three fruit types: single patti, double patti, and odalu.
Market Impact:
- Farmers are expecting a near doubling of the price.
- The GI tag will expand market opportunities for the spice, which has been cultivated by families for over 100 years.
About Warangal Chapata Chilli (Tomato Chilli)
Distinctive Features:
- Known for its flaming red colour and low pungency, with a heat score ranging from 3,100 to 6,500 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
- Fresh, ripe, thick-walled pods are prized for making pickles.
- High paprika oleoresin content (6.37%-6.75%) makes it a sought-after natural colouring agent.
Cultivation Details:
- Grown on approximately 6,783 acres across the districts of Warangal, Hanumakonda, Mulugu, and Jayashankar Bhupalapally.
- Annual production is about 10,000-11,000 tonnes.
- Its unique characteristics are attributed to the red and black soil of the region.
Historical Significance:
- Cultivated in Nagaram of Jammikunta mandal for more than 80 years.
- Nadikuda village is considered the oldest source.
- Seed distribution among relatives, particularly within the Velama community, helped spread its cultivation to surrounding villages.