Chennai: The famous 'Erode turmeric' has received a prestigious GI tag from the Geographical Indication Registry of India on Wednesday. The Erode Manjal Vanigarkal Matrum Kidangu Urimaiyalargal Sangam, in its application, stated that turmeric is one of the oldest spices used in India since time immemorial.
The earliest reference about turmeric can be seen in Atharvaveda (ca. 6000 Year. B.P.), in which turmeric was prescribed to cure jaundice. Turmeric has been extensively mentioned in Ayurveda.
During the Sangam era of Tamils, around 2000 BCE, the peasants grew turmeric plants in front of their houses. There is evidence that turmeric is one of the commodities traded during the Chera, Chola and Pandian kingdoms. The turmeric assumed greater importance in the religious and socio-cultural traditions as it was considered as an auspicious and holy herb. For its aroma and color to the food items turmeric has multifaceted utility in food, medicine and cosmetics.
The Deputy Registrar, of the Registry, Chennai, Chinnaraja G. Naidu, granted the coveted status to Erode Manjal Vanigarkal Matrum Kidangu Urimaiyalargal Sangam, Manjal Valagam, Erode and the Sangam would be the 'Registered Proprietor' of the G.I. "Erode Manjal (Erode Turmeric)" in respect of Spice - Turmeric falling in Class - 30.
The Sangam said Erode is synonymous with the turmeric and vice versa. 'Erode Turmeric's famous across the globe. The prominent areas of cultivation of Erode Turmeric in Erode District are Kodumudi, Sivagiri, Havani, Gobichettipalayam, Anthiyur, Chennampatti, Sathyamangalam and Thalavady.
Among the two important varieties of turmeric - Chinna Nadan and Perum Nadan, the Erode farmers raise Chinna Nadan. It has grown as an important commercial spice crop in the Erode and bordering areas in Coimbatore district and thousands of small and marginal farmers are involved in its cultivation.
Erode is one of the largest market for turmeric in India. Erode Regulated Market, Erode Agricultural Producers Marketing Co-op Society, Gobi Agricultural Producers Marketing Co-op Society and Open market are the major daily turmeric markets in Erode. Coimbatore Regulated Market is also a marketing centre for Erode Turmeric. More than 200 turmeric mandis are involved in the trade of turmeric. Erode Turmeric occupies about 70-75 per cent of the turmeric growth in Erode and Coimbatore Districts. It is estimated that the area under Erode Turmeric production is about 7700 ha with an anticipated production of 39,000 tonnes during 2008-09.
