Tamil Nadu’s Authoor betel leaves earn GI tag
This exceptional leaf is exclusively found in the village of Authoor, situated in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu
The Authoor betel leaves from the Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu recently received Geographical Indication (GI) certification. The Tamil Nadu State Agriculture Marketing Board and NABARD Madurai Agribusiness Incubation Forum have awarded it.
The certificate is granted in the name of Authoor Vattara Vetrilai Vivasayigal Sangam. This GI recognition opens up new avenues for marketing the Authoor betel leaves, enabling the reach in both domestic and international markets, tapping into their marketing potential.
The Authoor betel leaf is utilised during special occasions such as temple festivals, housewarmings, and weddings and possesses a distinctively spicy and pungent flavour.
This exceptional leaf is exclusively found in the village of Authoor, situated in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, owing to the utilisation of Thamirabarani River water for irrigation purposes in the local fields.
Cultivated across an extensive area spanning approximately 500 acres of land, encompassing regions like Mukkani, Authoor, Korkai, Suganthalai, Vellakoil, and other Mukkani villages, the Authoor betel leaf showcases elongated stalks and is available in three distinct varieties. These three varieties include nattukodi, karpoori, and pachaikodi.
This exceptional leaf is exclusively found in