Big news from Hyderabad! The application for the highly acclaimed Armoor Turmeric variety, submitted by two dedicated farmers’ associations, has officially been accepted by the Geographical Indication (GI) Registry in Chennai. This marks a crucial milestone in securing the coveted GI tag for this unique spice.
Pidigam Saiadiah, the Associate Dean at Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University and lead investigator for this NABARD-backed GI project, confirmed that the application was filed jointly by the Armoor Farmers Producer Cooperative Society (Manthani) and the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Society (Armoor).
Mr. Saiadiah and his dedicated team meticulously compiled essential data, including the turmeric’s origin, distinct varietal characteristics, biochemical profile, traditional farming methods, DNA tagging, and the geographical factors that give this Nizamabad district-grown variety its special qualities. Rajanikanth, the ‘GI Man of India’ and General Secretary of the Varanasi-based Human Welfare Association, provided invaluable technical facilitation, formally submitting the GI application on behalf of the farmers.
If successful, Armoor Turmeric will proudly become the seventh turmeric variety in India to receive GI protection. Currently, varieties like Erode Manjal, Waigaon Turmeric, Sangli Turmeric, Lakadong Turmeric, and Vasmat Haldi already boast this esteemed tag, while Kharsawan Turmeric, applied earlier this year, is still undergoing its preliminary review.
Danda Raji Reddy, Vice Chancellor of SKTGHU, emphasized that GI registration could be a transformative force for Armoor turmeric cultivators. He highlighted that GI-tagged products typically command premium prices, owing to their guaranteed quality and authentic origin. The university is actively engaged in safeguarding Telangana’s rich horticultural legacy, with plans to pursue GI tags for 15 other crops following thorough field research and farmer consultations.
Mr. Saiadiah further explained that the Armoor turmeric variety has been a staple crop for over nine decades, primarily cultivated across 23 mandals within seven divisions of Nizamabad district. K. Uday Bhasker, Chief General Manager of NABARD Telangana, echoed the sentiment, noting that GI tags significantly enhance international recognition, paving the way for easier access to lucrative global markets for these unique products.
(Image: Armoor variety turmeric cultivated in Nizamabad area seeks GI recognition. Photo Credit: By Arrangement)