Tamil Nadu has received six new GI tags by GI Registry for its unique products. This takes total number of GI-tagged products in state to 69. As of April 2025, Tamil Nadu now stands second only to Uttar Pradesh, which boasts 79 GI products.
New GI Products: Panruti Palappazham (Panruti Jackfruit); Puliyankudi Acid Lime; Chettikulam Small Onion (Shallots); Ramanadu Chithiraikar Rice; Panruti Cashew; Virudhunagar Samba Vathal (Dried Red Chillies).
Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board (under the state agriculture department) is co-applicant along with respective farmers’ associations for all six products.
Panruti Palappazham (Panruti Jackfruit)
Origin: Panruti, a mid-sized town in Cuddalore district, is the largest producer and exporter of jackfruit in India.
Characteristics:
- Aroma & Texture: Known for its distinctive aroma and melt-in-the-mouth pulp.
- Size: Fruits can be very large (up to 50 kg), though smaller sizes are common.
- Usage: The sweet, tangy pulp is enjoyed fresh or used in desserts, jams, and smoothies; unripe fruits are used in curries and chips.
- Seeds: Large, flat seeds are rich in starch and protein and are consumed boiled or roasted.
Panruti Cashew
Region: Panruti is recognized as the Cashew Capital of Tamil Nadu.
Characteristics:
- Flavor & Texture: Valued for its sweet, slightly nutty flavor and a crisp yet tender texture.
- Distinctiveness: The nuts are notably curved in a characteristic C-shape.
- Cultivation: Grown in tropical conditions with sandy loam or red soils; traditional processing methods help preserve freshness and enhance quality.
Puliyankudi Acid Lime
Features:
- Flavour Profile: Known for its intense, tangy, and aromatic flavor with high acidity.
- Juice Yield: Each lime yields approximately 55% juice, making it ideal for beverages and culinary uses.
- Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamin C with an ascorbic acid content around 34.3 mg/100g.
- Physical Traits: Has a thin (around 3mm) peel rich in essential oils, which also provide a shiny appearance.
- Cultivation Impact: A single tree bears around 950 fruits; the region is often called the “Lemon City of Tamil Nadu,” with Tenkasi district being a major acid lime cultivation area.
Virudhunagar Samba Vathal (Dried Red Chillies)
Region: Predominantly grown in the Virudhunagar district, also cultivated in Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, and Thoothukudi.
Characteristics:
- Appearance: Features a long, slender shape (6–6.5 cm) with sharp tips and bulged shoulders, along with a vibrant, shiny red color.
- Flavor: Offers a unique balance of smokiness and spiciness with moderate heat (capsaicin content of 0.24%).
- Usage: Widely used in traditional spice blends, pickles, and seasonings.
Chettikulam Small Onion (Shallots)
Quality Attributes:
- Pungency & Shelf Life: Known for high pungency, excellent propagation potential, and long shelf life (8–9 months).
- Physical Traits: Typically small (2–3 cm diameter), round to oval in shape, with 15 to 18 layers of dried outer scales for added protection.
Cultivation:
- Grown in Chettikulam where the unique red loamy and black soils rich in sulfur contribute to its sharp flavor.
- Traditional storage methods, like the “Pattarai” system, enhance shelf life and maintain quality.
Ramanadu Chithiraikar Rice
Characteristics:
- Grain Attributes: Features bold, round grains with a dark outer skin and red inner grain.
- Nutritional & Culinary Value: Recognized for its high nutritional value, low maintenance, and natural cultivation practices, making it a healthier choice.
- Usage: Valued for its distinctive flavor, particularly in preparing kanji (rice porridge), and is a staple in local diets.
- Agricultural Benefits: Resistant to pests and diseases, ensuring sustainable farming practices in the region.
Significance of GI Tag
- Economic Impact: The GI tag enhances marketability and protects the unique qualities of these products, potentially increasing farmers’ income.
- Cultural Heritage & Quality Assurance: The GI status serves as a marker of authenticity and quality, preserving the traditional farming practices and regional heritage of Tamil Nadu.
- State Recognition: With 69 GI products, Tamil Nadu is now among the top states in India in terms of geographical indication registrations, reinforcing its reputation for unique, high-quality agricultural produce.