Narsampet (Warangal): The Chapata chilli, also known as Tomato chilli, grown in the Warangal region, has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Government of India. This recognition highlights the chilli’s unique qualities and ties it to the place it is grown.
The application for the GI tag was submitted in 2022 by the Thimmampet Chilli Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) in Duggondi mandal. They received help from the Janna Reddy Venkat Reddy Horticultural Research Station in Malyal, Mahabubabad district, and Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University.
The GI tag was officially granted on March 28, 2025, by the Registrar of Geographical Indications in Chennai. The Chapata chilli stands out because of its small size, deep red color, and mild spiciness. It is also visually similar to a tomato, which is why it is often called Tomato chilli.
This chilli is used as a natural colorant in food and beverages. It comes in three different types – single patti, double patti, and odalu – each with its own distinct features.
Former MLA of Narsampet, Peddi Sudarshan Reddy, expressed his happiness over the GI tag. He credited the success to the earlier support provided by the BRS Government, which encouraged the formation of FPOs. He also appreciated the efforts of the agricultural officers.
Reddy mentioned that Narsampet currently has 57 FPOs with around 18,500 farmers, although the number was higher at 90 during the BRS rule. He believes that the GI tag will help Chapata chilli farmers get better prices and allow them to sell their produce internationally.
