Context:

Recently, five new products from Tamil Nadu (TN) received Geographical Indication (GI) tags from the Geographical Indications Registry (GIR) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I).

About New GI-Tagged Products:

1.       Woraiyur Cotton Sari

2.      Kavindapadi Nattu Sakkarai (Jaggery Powder)

3.      Namakkal Makkal Pathirangal (Soapstone Cookware)

4.     Thooyamalli Rice (Traditional Rice Variety)

5.     Ambasamudram Choppu Samaan (Wooden Toys)

·         Significance: TN’s total GI-tagged products now stand at 74, making it the second-highest state in India for GI-certified items, after Uttar Pradesh.

About Woraiyur Cotton Sari:

·         Applicant: Woraiyur Devanga Handloom Weavers’ Co-operative Society (2022)

·         Production Area: Woraiyur, Kottathur, Paithamparai, and nearby clusters

·         Weavers: Devanga Chettiar community

·         Key Features:

o    Unique Korvai border with continuous block-colour patterns and geometric motifs

o    Body & border feature mango, bangle, geometric shapes, and pearl designs

·         Significance: Originates from the historic weaving clusters of Manamedu, Tiruchi district, dating back to the Chola Empire

About Thooyamalli Rice:

·         Location: Native to TN, now mainly cultivated in Kancheepuram district

·         Unique Features:

o    Fragrant aroma, shiny grains, also called “pearl rice”

o    Samba crop duration: 135–140 days, including nursery period

·         Health Benefits:

o    Rich in fiber, protein, iron, calcium

o    Low Glycemic Index, beneficial for diabetes patients

About Ambasamudram Choppu Samaan (Wooden Toys):

·         Applicant: Ambasamudram Bharani Mara Varna Kadasal Artisans Welfare Association, supported by Poompuhar

·         Manufacturing Area: Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli district

·         Key Features:

o    Small, brightly coloured toys

o    Shapes: miniature kitchen utensils (choppu saman), spinning tops (pambaram)

·         Materials: Traditionally Neolamarckia cadamba, teak, rosewood; now rubberwood, eucalyptus

About Namakkal Makkal Pathirangal (Soapstone Cookware):

·         Applicant: Namakkal Stone Products Manufacturers & MSME Technology Development Centre

·         Significance:

o    Ideal for cooking food containing tamarind, lime, and safe for storing pickles, milk, curd

o    Corrosion-resistant and non-toxic

About Kavindapadi Nattu Sakkarai (Jaggery Powder):

·         Applicant: TN State Agricultural Marketing Board, supported by NABARD & Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum

·         Key Feature: Golden-brown, sweet jaggery powder from Erode district

·         Major Producer Area: Kavindapadi belt, supported by Lower Bhavani Project canal irrigation

About Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

·         Definition: Identifies products originating from a specific region with unique qualities or reputation linked to that origin (e.g., Darjeeling Tea, Basmati Rice)

·         Legal Basis (India): Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999

·         Governing Body: DPIIT, MoC&I

·         Registry: Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai

·         International Alignment: WTO TRIPS Agreement

·         Validity: 10 years, renewable

Benefits of GI Tags:

·         Economic: Boosts marketability, exports, and income for local producers

·         Cultural: Preserves traditional knowledge, skills, and regional identity

·         Legal: Protects against counterfeiting and unauthorized use

·         Developmental: Promotes rural development, artisan livelihoods, and Atmanirbhar Bharat