Kerala Agricultural University
Thrissur: Kerala Agricultural University topped the list of government institutions that secured the maximum number of Geographical Indications of Goods. As many as 17 agricultural products in the state obtained GI tags under the Intellectual Property Cell at the Kerala Agricultural University.
All these products except Nilambur Teak fall under the edible category. Kerala has a total of 35 products with GI tags.
The authority has stated to bestow GSI tags on goods under Intellectual Property Rights Act in 2004 in India. Karnataka tops the list of states with 45 products having geographical indications of goods. The first product that secured a GI tag in India was Darjeeling tea. Kerala’s Aranmula mirror became the third product which won the GI tag in the same year. In India, 129 products in the agrarian sector have secured GI tags.
Kerala Agricultural University established the Intellectual Property Cell in 2001 to initiate procedures for Geographical Indications of Goods. The department head Dr CR Elsy is in charge of the procedures. Proposals for all the products moved by Dr Elsy received the GI tag. The approval for Olor Mango and Thalanadu Clove is currently pending.
Pokkali Rice, Kaipad Rice, Wayanad Jeerakasala Rice, Wayanad Gandhakasala Rice, Vazhakulam Pineapple, Chengalikkodan Nendran Banana, Marayoor Jaggery, Central Travancore Jaggery, Nilambur Teak, Tirur Betel Leaf, Edayur Chilli, Kuttiattoor Mango, Attappady Attukomb Avara (beans), Attappady Red Gram (‘Thuvara’), Kodungallur Snap Melon (‘Pottuvellari’), Onattukara Sesame and Kanthalloor- Vattavada Garlic are the products which received GI tag.