Nizamabad Armur turmeric secures GI registration milestone

HYDERABAD: Armur turmeric has reached a major milestone in securing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Armur Farmers Producer Cooperative Society Limited and Manthani Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Society Limited filed the application (No. 1624) with the GI Registry in Chennai, and the registry registered it on Friday.

Dr Pidiga Saidaiah, Associate Professor at Horticulture University, led the project as principal investigator with support from NABARD. Detailed data on the origin, characteristics, biochemical profile, cultivation practices, DNA tagging and its geographical link with Nizamabad were compiled as part of the process.

Known as the "GI Man of India," Dr Rajanikant, General Secretary of Human Welfare Association, acted as the technical facilitator on behalf of farmers and played a key role in filing the application.

Armur turmeric becomes seventh variety to seek GI tag

Armur turmeric is the seventh turmeric variety in India to seek a GI tag, after Erode Manjal, Waigaon turmeric, Sangli turmeric, Lakadong turmeric and Vasmat haldi. An application for Kharsawan turmeric from Jharkhand is under preliminary examination.

Telangana Horticultural University Vice-Chancellor Dr Dand Rajireddy said, “GI registration will be a game-changer for Armur turmeric farmers. It will help them secure premium prices, better market opportunities and boost export potential. With GI-tagged produce maintaining higher quality standards, farmers can earn more income.” He added that applications for 15 more crops would be filed after field research and farmer consultations.

NABARD Chief General Manager K. Uday Bhaskar said, “The GI tag enhances international recognition and strengthens export prospects. It ensures benefits reach genuine producers. ” NABARD district development manager Praveen Kumar also with the project team. Dr Saidaiah noted that “GI protection promotes cultivation of indigenous crops and aids biodiversity conservation.”