Geographical Indication Tag for Kanyakumari Clove

Geographical Indication Tag for Kanyakumari Clove

Kanyakumari clove, which has been designated as a geographical indication (GI), is noted for its distinct characteristics such as high volatile oil content and aroma. Because of the efforts of Maraimalai Planters and Blackrock Hill Planters Association, the Kanniyakumari clove, which accounts for 65 percent of the country’s production, has been given the Geographical Indication Tag since 2019. 

Kanyakumari spice growers have earned the Geographical Indication Tag for the clove, which is grown in the district’s mountainous hills and is recognised for its high aromatic oil content.

Clove, one of the district’s most important spice crops, is farmed on 760 hectares in the highly wooded areas of Maramalai, Blackrock, and Velimalai in the Veerapuli Reserve Forests and Mahendragiri in the Western Ghats. In Tamil Nadu, the district accounts for roughly 73 percent of the clove-growing region.

Tamil Nadu produces about 1,000 tonnes of the total 1,100 tonnes produced in India, with the district accounting for approximately 65 percent of the total. The environment of Kanyakumari district’s hilly parts is perfect for clove farming. Both the south-west and north-east monsoons help this region. In addition, the ‘sea mist’ enters and works up the moisture required by the crop. Cloves can be grown in this dark soil, which is rich in organic elements. This distinguishes the cloves grown in the area.

The crop grown in the district is highly sought after because it contains the highest proportion of volatile oil content in clove buds. Eugenol is also aided by the ‘sea mist.’ The clove buds have a superior scent and flavour thanks to the greater eugenol acetate content in the oil.

While most clove buds have an average volatile oil level of 18 percent, the Kanniyakumari clove buds have a volatile oil content of 21%, resulting in 86 percent eugenol. Furthermore, drying occurs naturally in plantations that are located at an altitude of about 800 metres and have a moderate climate. This results in a lower loss of essential oils and a higher concentration of them.

Essential oils are extracted from flower buds, stalks, and fallen leaves. Clove buds and oils are also employed in the pharmaceutical, medicinal, and fragrance industries. Kanyakumari clove buds are favoured because they contain more volatile oils.

Maraimalai Planters Association and Blackrock Hill Planters Association, with the support of the district administration, worked to secure the GI Tag in order to gain global recognition for the distinctiveness of Kanyakumari clove.

About Kanyakumari Clove

In the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari region, it is grown at an elevation of 400-900 metres above sea level. It produces about 65 percent of the country’s total clove crop and is recognised for its high quantity of fragrant oil. Around 1800 AD, the British introduced it to the Courtallam area of the current Tenkasi district, from where it spread to the Kanyakumari district’s restricted forests and adjacent places.

Advantage of the Geographical Indication Tag on the Kanniyakumari Cloves According to the farmer – Farmers claim that the GI label will help them get global reputation and a higher price. Farmers currently receive Rs 700-800 per kilogramme. They also claimed that it will ensure customer quality and increase clove tourism in the region, which is home to numerous historically significant tourist attractions.

Important Points to Know

1. The ‘Kanniyakumari Clove’ from Tamil Nadu has been designated as a Geographical Indication (GI).

2. Kanyakumari Clove is grown in the highlands of Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district.

3. Clove production in India totals 1,100 metric tonnes per year, with 1,000 metric tonnes produced in Tamil Nadu each year and 750 metric tonnes produced in the Kanyakumari area alone.

4. Products with a geographical origin are given a GI label.

5. The recognition of a Geographical Indication (GI) aids not only in tracing product origins, but also in validating authenticity and marketing indigenous specialties.

6. Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999 governs the issuance of GI tags.

7. The Geographical Indication Registry, which is part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, issues this tag.

Conclusion

Tamil Nadu produces over 1,000 tonnes of the total 1,100 tonnes of cloves produced in India, with the district accounting for more than 65 percent of the total. The environment of Kanyakumari district’s hilly sections is perfect for clove farming. The northeast and southwest monsoons both benefit this region. Aside from that, sea mist comes in and helps the crop get the moisture it needs. Cloves can be grown in black soil with a high concentration of organic nutrients.