Bangalore Rose Onion has also received the status

Kerala’s sumptuous Nendran Banana and Karnataka’s Bangalore Rose Onion have got geographical indication (GI Tag) registrations from the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai.

Chengazhikodan Nendran Banana, also known Chengazhikode Banana, is among the most popular traditional fruits cultivated in Thrissur district, Kerala. This variety of Nendran Banana is famed for its characteristic taste, bunch shape and fruit colour. The mature fruits are pale yellow and, on ripening, turn golden yellow with red patches.

Bunches of Chengalikodan are particularly used as ‘Kazhchakula’(auspicious sighting) to be offered in temples and also as gift to relatives and friends, particularly during the Onam season. The crop is mainly cultivated in organic mode and the crop duration is 13-14 months.

The Chengalikodan Banana Growers’ Association, Erumapetty, was given the registration.

The Bangalore Rose Onion grown in Bangalore and its surrounding areas is famous for its high pungency compared to other varieties.

A boost to the product

Geographical indication (GI) refers to any indication that identifies the goods as originating from a particular place, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the goods is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. Chinnaraja G. Naidu, Assistant Registrar of the Geographical Indications Registry, said GI helps a community of producers to differentiate their products from competing products in the market and build goodwill around their products, which often fetches a premium price. As per the Act, any association of persons or producers or any organization established by or under any law for the time being in force representing the interest of the producers of concerned goods, can apply in writing to the Registrar of GI.

Among GI tag recipients are the Naga Tree Tomato, Arunachal Orange, Sikkim Large Cardamom, Mizo Chilli, Assam Karbi Anglong Ginger, Tripura Queen Pineapple, Tezpur Litchi, Khasi Mandarin and Kachai Lemon, handicraft items such as Khurja Pottery, Banaras Gulabi Meenakari Craft, Varanasi Wooden Lacquer Wear and Toys and foods such as Ratlami Sev of Madhya Pradesh, Joynagarer Moa from West Bengal and Rajasthan’s Makrana Marble.