The Chettikulam small onion, cultivated in the Alathur and Perambalur blocks of India, has received the GI tag, a development welcomed by local farmers. The variety, grown in 18 villages, is distinguished by its pinkish outer skin and pungency due to the region's sulphur-rich soil.
Annual production spans 8,000 hectares, yielding between 60,000 to 70,000 tons. Farmers pursued the GI tag to safeguard their crops, particularly after yield-impacting rains. The issue was previously reported by TNIE on March 16. Farmer P Periyasamy expressed, "We often face exploitation by middlemen. With the GI tag, we hope our produce will gain more recognition, and our income will improve."
Source: The New Indian Express