One more product from Kerala has received Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Tirur Vettila or betel leaf is the latest entry to the status. Produced in Tirur and close by areas of Malappuram district, Tirur Vettila is well-known for its significantly high content of total chlorophyll & protein in fresh leaves.
Director of Research at KAU, Indira Devi said Eugenol is the main essential oil in Tirur betel leaf that contributes to its strong flavor. Its shelf period is more as compared to other betel leaves.
She added that the antioxidant capacity in Tirur betel leaf is more adding to its medicinal properties. This betel leaf is more pungent than many other cultivars.
It is anticipated that the GI tag will increase the demand as well as marketability of this unique betel leaf.
The Block panchayats well-known for cultivation of Tirur betel leaf are Tirur, Tanur, Tirurangadi, Kuttippuram, Malappuram & vengara. And Nadan and Puthukodi are the most common betel vine cultivars of the region.
It is the joint initiative by Kerala Agricultural University’s IPR cell in association with the State Department of Agriculture Development & Farmers’ Welfare and Tirur Vettila growers that the product has reached its final destination.
Tirur Vettila Ulpadaka Sangam, Tirur, Malappuram, is the registered owner for this Gl-product. Around 60 percent of Tirur Vettila is transported to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaypore & Itarsi via train and from there it is marketed to countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
Few other products that obtained the GI tag with the initiative of KAU’s IPR cell include Kaipad rice, Wayanad Jeerakasala rice, Pokkali rice, Wayanad Gandhakasala rice, Central Travancore jaggery, Marayur jaggery, Vazhakulam pineapple and Chengalikodan nendran. Efforts are going on to get the GI tag for Kuttiattoor Mango as well.
