Tumkur, November 14 (). Tiptur coconut (Tiptur copra), which has carved a niche for itself in Asia’s largest coconut markets, may soon get the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The farmers here have been demanding this for a long time and now their hopes have become stronger than ever.
Tiptur Copra is known for its superior quality, high oil content and international demand. Seeing its ever increasing popularity in the country and abroad, farmers wanted it to get GI recognition so that its originality and identity can be protected.
This issue was being discussed for many years, but the process was not progressing. Now finally the matter has gained momentum.
A meeting of Horticulture Department and APMC officials was held at Tiptur APMC, in which an important decision was taken that Tiptur Farmers Producer Organization (FPO) and Coconut FPO will be the official applicants for GI tag.
The Horticulture Department has assured financial assistance and the APMC has promised full cooperation.
Now work is being done rapidly for GI procedure. Officials estimate that Tiptur copra may get the GI tag within the next two years.
For this, it is necessary to check the quality of copra samples and identify the scientific limitations of the product area.
As per the review so far, taluks like Tiptur, Gubbi, Chikanayakanahalli, Channarayapattan, Arsikere and Hosadurga have been marked as GI zones.
After getting the GI tag, the sale of fake Tiptur Copra will be stopped. Farmers will get better market price. Local traditions of coconut processing will be promoted. Employment opportunities will increase. Consumers will get genuine, certified products.
This step will strengthen the economic condition of coconut farmers and give them recognition in the international market.
Shardamma, Deputy Director, Horticulture Department (Tumkur), said, “FPOs in Tumkur district have taken the initiative for GI tag for coconut and its products. They are preparing the documents and filling the application with the help of Ramaiah Intellectual Property Consultants. Earlier coconut and its products were filed together, but the GI industry suggested that these be filed separately. So now the application process for ‘Tiptur Coconut’ is going on separately. Has been.”
He said, “Coconut is cultivated in about 1,76,000 hectare area in our district. Especially the areas like Tiptur, Gubbi, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Kundalu etc. are famous for coconut production. The soil and weather conditions here are different, due to which the quality of coconut is excellent. The coir content is also better as compared to other areas.”
On the benefits of GI tag, he said, “Getting GI certificate will increase the export value of farmers. People who misuse the name Tiptur in the market will stop. Genuine farmers will get full benefits from it. This will be a huge achievement for our farmers of Tumkur and Tiptur.”
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VKU/DKP
