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GI Tag Conferred to Tamil Nadu’s ‘Kumbakonam Betel Leaf’, ‘Thovalai Flower Garland’ & Gujarat’s ‘Saudagari Block Print’.

National | Dated: 04 Apr 2025

In April 2025, the Geographical Indications (GI) Registry in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN), under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), recently granted the GI Tag to two traditional products from TN — the Kumbakonam Betel Leaf from Thanjavur and the Thovalai Flower Garland (Manikka Malai) from Kanyakumari.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - With this new recognition, Tamil Nadu’s GI tally has risen to 62 products, including 11 GI-tagged items from the Thanjavur district. These tags aim to protect the unique identity and cultural heritage of regional goods, ensuring better market value and recognition for local artisans and cultivators.
  • - The GI Tag is an official certification provided under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, recognizing products that possess distinctive qualities, reputation, or characteristics linked to their specific geographical origin.
  • - The successful GI tag acquisition was made possible through the dedicated efforts of P. Sanjai Gandhi, Intellectual Property (IP) Attorney and Advocate, who serves as the Nodal Officer for Geographical Indication Registration of Products for the Government of Tamil Nadu. He was supported by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, and the Thovalai Manikkamaalai Kaivinai Kalaingargal Nalasangam, Kanyakumari.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The traditional Saudagari Block Print from Jamalpur, Ahmedabad in Gujarat, renowned for its detailed and intricate hand-printed motifs, has recently been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
  • (ii) This recognition safeguards the distinctive artisanal craftsmanship, ensures the authenticity of origin, and aims to enhance the livelihood of artisans who have upheld this legacy for generations.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which of the following products from Tamil Nadu was recently granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in April 2025?

Correct Answer: Kumbakonam Betel Leaf

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Geographical Indications (GI) Registry

  • Established : 2003
  • Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu