Kerala’s five agricultural products recently got GI Tag. With the latest five GIs, 17 agricultural products of Kerala facilitated by the Kerala Agricultural University have received the GI status.

What is a Geographical Indication?

• A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection)Act, 1999 has come into force with effect from 15th September 2003.
• GI Tag is basically given to the products related to agriculture, handicrafts, foodstuffs, spirit drinks and Industrial Products.
• In 2004-2005 the Darjeeling Tea was given the first GI Tag in India.

About:

• Attappady Attukombu Avara (beans), Attappady Thuvara (red gram), Onattukara Ellu (sesame), Kanthalloor-Vattavada Veluthulli (garlic), and Kodungalloor Pottuvellari (snap melon) are the latest Geographical Indications that have been registered.
• The unique features of the products, imparted by the agro-climatic conditions of the geographical area of their production, are the basis for getting geographical indication tag.

 Attappady Attukombu Avara:

• Attappady Attukombu Avara, cultivated in the Attappady region of Palakkad, is curved like a goat’s horn as its name indicates.
• Its higher anthocyanin content compared to other dolichos beans imparts violet colour in the stem and fruits.
• Anthocyanin is helpful against cardiovascular diseases along with its antidiabetic properties.
• Other than this, calcium, protein, and fibre content are also high.
• The higher phenolic content of Attappady Attukombu Avara imparts resistance against pest and diseases, making the crop suitable for organic cultivation.

Attappady Thuvara:

• Attappady Thuvara is having seeds with white coat.
• Compared to other red grams, Attappady Thuvara seeds are bigger and have higher seed weight.
• This delicious red gram, which is used as vegetable and dal, is rich in protein, carbohydrate, fibre, calcium and magnesium.

Kanthalloor-Vattavada Veluthulli (garlic):

• Compared to the garlic produced in other areas, the garlic from the Kanthalloor-Vattavada area of Devikulam block panchayat in Idukki contains higher amount of sulphides, flavonoids, and proteins.
• It is rich in allicin, which is effective against microbial infections, blood sugar, cancer, cholesterol, heart diseases, and damages to blood vessels.
• The garlic cultivated in this area is also rich in essential oil.

Onattukara Ellu (sesame):

• Onattukara Ellu and its oil are famous for its unique health benefits.
• Relatively higher antioxidant content in Onattukara Ellu helps in fighting the free radicals, which destroy the body cells.
• Also, the high content of unsaturated fat makes it beneficial for heart patients.

Kodungalloor Pottuvellari (snap melon):

• Kodungalloor Pottuvellari cultivated in Kodungalloor and parts of Ernakulam is consumed as juice and in other forms.
• This snap melon, which is harvested in summer, is an excellent for quenching thirst.
• It contains high amount of Vitamin C.
• Compared to other cucurbits, nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, fibre and fat content are also high in Kodungalloor Pottuvellari.