GI Tag Comes as a Timely Boost to Warangal Chapata Chilli Farmers

Warangal: In a significant milestone for Warangal’s agricultural community, chapata chilli has received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, bringing global recognition to this unique variety of chilli.

Chapata chilli, known for its low pungency and unique red colour, is cultivated primarily in Thimmapur of the united Warangal district. It is famed for its oleoresin content, ranging from 6.37 to 6.75 per cent, which makes it ideal for use across segments like high-end sweets, cosmetics, beverages, and medicines.

The latest achievement is the result of persistent efforts by farmers from the Thimmampet Mirchi Farmers’ Association, located in Duggaondi mandal of Warangal district, in collaboration with the Jannareddy Venkata Reddy Horticulture Research Station in Mahabubabad district and the Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticulture University.

Modem Vidyasagar, former sarpanch of Thimmampet and a member of the Thimmampet Farmers’ Association, told Deccan Chronicle that the journey had begun six years ago when 300 farmers formed a union, which saw 200 more join them.

In 2022, the association applied to the Indian Patent Office in Chennai for a GI tag, which was granted after nearly three years of painstaking efforts.

The chilli is in high demand in global markets like China, the UK, the USA, Germany, and other European countries due to its distinct characteristics. The GI tag is expected to further enhance the market presence of Chapata chilli.

Almost 20, 000 farmers in Warangal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Mulugu, and Hanamkonda districts are cultivating this Chilli in over 6,738 acres. The GI tag will now allow these farmers to market their produce with a distinct identity, further boosting its reputation both locally and internationally, he added.

At present, the market price of Chapata chilli is around `300 per kilogram, which may touch `450-`500 per kg, post the GI tag.

Chapata chilli are positioning themselves to take advantage of a growing international demand, and thereby securing a sustainable future.

Meanwhile, Warangal district collector Satya Sharada inspected mirchi yard at Enumamula agriculture market and observed the buying and selling processes in the market. She interacted with the farmers and congratulated them for getting GI tag for Chapata chilli of Warangal.

The collector inquired about the different varieties of chillies they were cultivating, the acreage they had planted, their yield, and the prices they were receiving in the market and advised the farmers that maintaining quality and producing high-grade chillies could help them secure better prices in the market.