Warangal Chapata Chilli Receives GI Tag, Boosting Farmer Benefits

In a significant development for farmers in Telangana, the Chapata Chilli, also known as Tomato Chilli, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This milestone is expected to benefit around 20,000 farmers in the Warangal region by increasing their income and boosting market demand for this unique chilli variety.

Why in News?

The Warangal Chapata Chilli has been granted a GI tag, officially recognizing its uniqueness and regional significance. This recognition will not only protect the farmers’ rights but also open up new opportunities in export and processing industries.

Key Features of Chapata Chilli

1. Unique Appearance and Taste

The Chapata Chilli is known for its bright red color and mild pungency, making it a preferred choice among pickle makers. Its natural red pigment also makes it ideal as a natural coloring agent in the food and beverage industry, replacing synthetic dyes.

2. Regional Cultivation

The chilli is grown across 3,000 hectares in villages spread across Warangal, Hanmakonda, Mulugu, and Bhupalpally districts. The variety has been cultivated in the region for over 80 years, with an annual production of 11,000 tonnes.

3. Variants of Chapata Chilli

This chilli variety comes in three distinct variants:

• Single Patti
• Double Patti
• Odalu

4. Harvesting and Processing

• The harvesting season is from February to March.
• The pods are picked when they are fully ripened and 60-70% withered on the plant.
• The chilli requires less labor as it produces bold and fewer pods per plant.
• The dried pods retain good moisture content and low brittleness, making them suitable for export and processing.

GI Recognition and Its Impact

The Thimmampet Chilli Farmer Producer Company Limited and Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTGHU) have received official communication from the GI Registry, Government of India, confirming the recognition of Warangal Chapata Chilli with a GI tag.

This recognition will help farmers get premium pricing, prevent unauthorized use of the name, and promote global exports.

Export Demand and Global Market

According to D. Raji Reddy, Vice Chancellor of SKLTGHU, the demand for Chapata Chilli is expected to rise globally due to its natural pigment properties. The chilli’s extract, oleoresin, is in high demand in the US, China, the UK, Germany, and other European markets.

With the global ban on artificial coloring agents, industries are looking for natural alternatives, further boosting the demand for Chapata Chilli.

Industries Using Chapata Chilli Extracts

• Food industry (spice blends, processed foods)
• Confectionery (natural food coloring)
• Cosmetic industry (natural dyes for lipsticks and beauty products)
• Beverage industry (natural red coloring in drinks)
• Pharmaceutical industry (capsaicin-based products)
• Textile industry (natural fabric dyes)

Future Prospects

• Expansion of cultivation area to meet rising demand.
• Improved processing and storage facilities to enhance quality.
• Strengthened export partnerships for global reach.
• Support for farmers’ cooperatives to ensure better pricing and market accessibility.

Summary of the News