Hyderabad: A significant development has occurred for Telangana’s agricultural scene. The Geographical Indication (GI) Registry in Chennai has technically accepted the application for Armoor Turmeric. This request, numbered 1624, was submitted by two farmer groups: Armoor Farmers Producer Cooperative Society Limited, Manthani, and The Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Society Limited, Armoor. It marks a notable achievement for turmeric farmers in the Nizamabad district.
Leading the GI initiative was Dr. Pidigam Saidaiah, Associate Dean at Telangana Horticultural University. With support from NABARD Telangana, Dr. Saidaiah gathered detailed documents showing the unique origin, characteristics, and traditional farming methods of Armoor turmeric. Padmashree Dr. Rajanikanth, known as the “GI Man of India,” assisted in this process as part of the Human Welfare Association in Varanasi.
Armoor turmeric is now the first from Telangana and the seventh in India to seek GI status. Dr. Danda Raji Reddy, Vice Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, believes GI registration can greatly benefit farmers by providing better prices and market opportunities. The university plans to pursue GI status for 15 more crops in Telangana.
Uday Bhasker, Chief General Manager of NABARD Telangana, pointed out that GI tags enhance global recognition and protect regional crop names. Dr. Saidaiah mentioned that the “Erra Guntur” turmeric variety is predominant in Nizamabad, making up over 80% of the crop. He emphasized that GI protection supports traditional farming and grants farmers legal rights over their cultural practices.
