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States » SouthPosted at: May 6 2025 6:45PM


Virudhunagar Samba Chilli gets GI tag

Chennai, May 6 (UNI) The iconic Virudhunagar Samba Chilli, renowned for its vibrant red colour, moderate heat, and distinctive wrinkled texture from the State of Tamil Nadu, has been granted
the Geographical Indication tag by the GI Registry, Government of India.
To celebrate this historic occasion, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kovilangulam, hosted a meeting in Virudhunagar on Tuesday.
The event brought together key stakeholders-including Madurai Agribusiness Incubation Forum (MABIF), the Virudhunagar Chilli Merchants Association, Confederation of Indian Industry, Tamil
Nadu Agricultural University’s (TNAU) Horticulture Department, and, most importantly, the
dedicated farmers who have preserved and nurtured this unique crop for generations.
The Virudhunagar Samba Chilli has been a staple in South Indian cuisine and a symbol of the region’s agricultural excellence.
Traditionally grown as an open-pollinated, rainfed crop in drylands, it stands out as one of the
most sustainable chilli varieties, requiring minimal inputs while maintaining exceptional quality.
Few remember that Virudhunagar in the southern TN was once India’s largest chilli market, and
the Samba Chilli-first exported in its signature stemless form, now globally recognized as S4-put
the district on the world map for chilli exports.
Initiating a collaborative agenda for its revival and growth, the meeting decided is to set a forward-looking agenda and develop a comprehensive package of practices, focussing on protecting the unique identity and seed purity of the Virudhunagar Samba Chilli; enhancing sustainable cultivation methods and improving yields; restoring Virudhunagar’s historic status as a leading hub for premium chilli exports and empowering farmers, boosting the local economy.
The GI tag is a recognition of the region’s rich agricultural heritage and opens new avenues for local farmers, offering better market access and premium pricing.
With continued collaboration and innovation, the Virudhunagar Samba Chilli is poised to reclaim its legacy and bring renewed prosperity to the district.
"Let us celebrate this milestone and work together to ensure the enduring glory of the Virudhunagar Samba Chilli-an agricultural treasure of Tamil Nadu", the speakers at the meeting said.
UNI GV 1844
Tags: #Virudhunagar Samba Chilli gets GI tag
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