Kerala banana variant on GI list

It’s an Onam gift for the banana farmers here. The ‘nendran’ banana variety, ‘Chengalikodan’, has been accorded the Geographical Indication (GI) status.

Thrissur district panchayat president C.C. Sreekumar, on Thursday, made the official declaration of the status accorded by the Central GI registry. He also unveiled the GI logo of ‘Chengalikodan’ at a function held at Peringandur Service Co-operative bank (PSC Bank), Athani, near Thrissur.

GI status is an indication that identifies goods as produced from a particular area, which has special quality or reputation attributable to its geographical origin.

The banana, the special variety grown in suburbs of Thrissur and Thalappilly taluks, is known for its unique size, shape, colour and taste.

The Onam link

Chosen for the ‘Kazhchakkula’ offered to Lord Krishna, the presiding deity of Guruvayur, it has special significance during the Onam season. Families insist on the ‘Chengalikodan’ variety for domestic use as well as presenting to visitors and relatives.

It is believed that the banana variety, cultivated in erstwhile Chengazhikode, came to be known as ‘Chengazhikodan’ banana and later ‘Chengalikodan’ banana. Chowannur, Puzhakkal, Wadakkanchery, Pazhayannur and Ollukkara block panchayats are the prime producers of this banana variant in Thrissur.

Others on the list

‘Chengalikodan’ is the latest agricultural produce of Kerala to get GI status. ‘Palakkadan matta’ rice, ‘Vazhakkulam’ pineapple, ‘Pokkali’ rice, Wayanadan’ scented rice varieties ‘Gandhakasala’ and ‘Jeerakasala’ and Central Travancore jaggery are among those already on the list.

Farmers selling ‘Kazhchakkula’ get Rs.1,500-3,000 a bunch depending on the beauty and size of the bunch, whereas traders sell them for as much as Rs.5,000 a bunch. Its demand shoots up during Onam season .

GI registration confers legal protection to the products, prevents unauthorised use of a GI by others, helps consumers get quality products of desired traits, promotes economic prosperity of producers of goods by enhancing demand in national and international markets and is essential to get protection in other countries.

Nearly 200 unique goods have been registered as GIs in India.

Source : The Hindu