Geographical
Indications Registry has recently granted Geographical
Indication (GI) tag to Tirur
Betel Leaf from Kerala. Also known as Tirur Vettila, the betel leaf is
cultivated in Tirur, Tirurangadi, Tanur, Kuttippuram, and nearby areas of
Malappuram district in Kerala. The high content of chlorophyll, protein, and
antioxidant capacity is what makes this product unique. Appreciated for its
mild stimulant, digestive, and medicinal properties, Tirur Vettila is mainly
used in making pan masala.
The Tirur Vettila
Ulpadaka Sangam expedited by Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Cell,
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) had applied for the GI tag in 2018.
Director of Research
at KAU, Indira Devi, said that the Tirur Vettila consists of Eugenol, the
essential oil contributing to its pungency. Moreover, the shelf period of this
unique product is comparatively more than other betel leaves. She added that
the considerably more antioxidant capacity in Tirur Vettila adds to its
medicinal properties and this leaf is more pungent in comparison with many
other cultivars. Additionally, she said that the GI Registration is expected to
upsurge the marketability and demand of the product.
Recognized under the
registered owner – Tirur Vettila Ulpadaka Sangam, Malappuram, this GI-product
is a collective initiative taken by the IPR cell of the KAU, State Department
of Agriculture Development and Farmers’ Welfare, and Tirur Vettila farmers, and
has now reached its ultimate destination.
Pharmaceutical Sector
Coordinator at IPR
Cell-KAU, Dr. Elsy, suggested that the probabilities of using these betel leaf
extracts in the pharmaceutical industry are to be explored more. Vettila is an
ingredient of ‘Thampooladhi thylam’ and is used in the manufacturing of
indigenous medicines to treat cough. She noted that the betel leaf
traditionally is famous for its usefulness in treating several diseases.
Vettila, if chewed after food enhances digestion. Betel leaf, in India, is
routinely served at the time of social, religious, and cultural occasions.
Area under
Cultivation
Tirur Vettila,
currently, is cultivated over an area of 22 hectares. Nearly 60% of the overall
production is firstly transported to Delhi, Mumbai, Itarsi, and Jaypore through
rails and then from there, it is marketed to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and
Bangladesh.
Before this initiative
of the IPR Cell of the KAU, the Geographical Indications Registry has granted
the GI tag to many other products, such as:
- Kaipad rice,
- Pokkali rice,
- Marayur jaggery,
- Vazhakulam pineapple,
- Chengalikodan nendran,
- Wayanad Jeerakasala rice,
- Central Travancore jaggery,
- Wayanad Gandhakasala rice.
Furthermore, efforts
to bring the Kuttiattoor Mango amongst the GI tag gainers are in process.
The Government of India has awarded the IPR Cell of Kerala
Agricultural University (KAU) for its efforts in the facilitation of
Geographical Indication Registration. For
view source: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com/blog/tirur-betel-leaf-receives-gi-tag/
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