The Warangal Chapata, also referred to as the Tomato Chilli, has been granted a Geographical Indicator (GI) registration by the GI Registry, Government of India. The application, numbered 984, was submitted in 2022 by the Thimmampet Chilly Farmer Producer Company Limited and Janna Reddy Venkat Reddy Horticultural Research Station (JVR HRS), along with Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTGHU), Telangana.
This chilli is recognized for its low pungency and vibrant color, and it has been cultivated in the villages of Nagaram of Jammikunta Mandal for over 80 years. Locally known as the 'Tomato Chilli' due to its blocky, tomato-like appearance, it comes in three varieties: Single Patti, Double Patti, and Odalu.
The spread of the Tomato Chilli to surrounding areas occurred through seed sharing among relatives, particularly within the Velama community. Subhajit Saha, a GI practitioner and founder of Resolute4IP, assisted in the legal and statutory processes alongside Dr. Bhaskar, a scientist handling technical requirements for GI registration. According to a press release, Saha noted that with the GI registration, farmers can now market their produce at a higher price, increasing from approximately $3.60 per kilogram to $5.40–6.00 per kilogram.
Dr. D Raji Reddy, vice-chancellor of Konda Laxman Horticultural University, stated that the GI tag is expected to encourage more horticultural products to seek GI registration. He also mentioned that GI registration processes are underway for the Balanagar Custard Apple and Armur Turmeric.
Source: The Siasat Daily