The Geographical Indications Registry has accepted the application seeking a GI tag for Erode Turmeric.
The application was filed by law firm GMS Law Associates, on behalf of Erode Manjal Vanigarkal Matrum Kidangu Urimaiyalargal Sangam.
A GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation by virtue of their geographical association. The tag conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to the geographical origin of the product. The owner of the GI tag has exclusive rights over the product
Chinnaraja G. Naidu, Deputy Registrar of Geographical Indications, said the product was accepted and published in the journal, and it will take four months for registration. “Erode Turmeric is the traditional cultivar of India, traditionally grown in the Erode area of production, comprising the entire Erode district, Annur and Thondamuthur (near Perur) taluks of Coimbatore district and Kangayam taluk of Tirupur district,” according to the specification mentioned in the GI application.
According to the documents, Erode Turmeric requires a hot and moist climate for cultivation.
“It is mostly grown under irrigated conditions as the annual rainfall received is low. Kalingarayan canal and LBP (Lower Bhavani Project) canal are the major sources of irrigation, besides tanks and wells. Erode turmeric thrives on loamy soils or alluvial soils,” the documents added.
“It is said that Arab traders, in the 13th century, had carried with them turmeric from India as part of their trade. The Gazetteer of South India (1901-1906) pertaining to Coimbatore district mentions ‘Erode Turmeric’ as one of the products of export to the neighbouring districts. Further, Posselts Textile Journal [February I917] mentions Erode as one of the districts in the Madras Presidency where turmeric was chiefly cultivated,” according to the application.
“Erode Turmeric occupies about 70-75% of the turmeric grown in Erode and Coimbatore districts. It is estimated that the area under production is about 7,700 hectares with an anticipated production of 39,000 tonnes during 2008-09,” according to the documents. One important prerequisite to promote export is to meet the stringent quality requirements of importing or buying countries, for which GI protection is inevitable, the application added.
