Farmers in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu want the State government to take action to give the "Mundu Chilli" variety a Geographical Indication (GI) tag because it is one of the most widely cultivated horticulture crops in the district.
The "Mundu Chilli," also known as Ramanathapuram Mundu, is the most renowned of the several varieties of chilies that are grown in the district, according to the horticulture department, on an area of land that is approximately 14,998 hectares.
Nagaraja, the deputy director of the horticulture division, claimed that "Mundu Chilli" is a drought-resistant crop that requires little labor to grow. The "Mundu Chilli," which is well-known for its strong spiciness and high Scoville heat units, is in reasonable demand in both the local markets and in neighboring states.
"This year, once the harvest season ended in August, its supply to the market decreased, but its price remained stable. Therefore, the government should implement policies to encourage the crop and create avenues for exporting chilies. Despite our repeated requests, the authorities have not yet given the "Mundu Chilli" the GI classification, according to the farmers.
A farmer from the Ramanathapuram area named Bakkiyanathan said, "Even if farmers can earn a respectable average profit of Rs 40,000 per acre, the price of the commodity doesn't rise even when the supply is low. However, the chili will be recognized even in worldwide markets with a GI tag attached, and the growers will make a much bigger income.
He also urged the State government to build a special facility for cold storage in the district to protect the harvested chillies. Additionally, Bakkiyanathan said, "considering the welfare of the local farmers, the government might also purchase this product at fair pricing."
