Pokkali gets GI renewed, Nilambur teak to follow

Thrissur: The Geographical Indication (GI) registration of Pokkali rice, one of the first Kerala produces to get the GI tag, has been renewed, officials of Intellectual Property Right (IPR) cell at the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) have said. The GI registration is normally for ten years, and the first registration of Pokkali was obtained in 2007, which got renewed on December 23 with a validity until January 28, 2027.

The KAU had earlier facilitated GI registration for Vazhakulam pineapple, Wayanadan rice varieties Jeerakasala and Gandhakasala, Tirur betel vine, central Travancore jaggery and Chengalikodan Nendran. “It gives them a universal approval, making its marketing worldwide easier. For GI products, certain basic qualities are guaranteed. It also helps prevent fraudulent marketing of substandard products,” its PRO B. Ajith Kumar told Deccan Chronicle.

IPR officials said they expect Nilambur teak getting added to the list of Kerala produces with GI tag in a month, pioneered by the IPR Cell with the support of  Nilambur Teak Heritage Society, KFRI and department of forests. Britishers identified the superior qualities of teak from Nilambur plantations and forests, and this region became a major supplier of quality teak in the world. Nilambur was christened ‘mecca of teak’, and tonnes of timber with superior mechanical and physical properties, as well as unique aesthetic appearance, was taken to London and other parts of the world.

As the fame of Nilambur teak increased, fake products with false tag appeared in the wood and furniture markets. Understanding the potential risk of such products, the IPR Cell and College of Forestry motivated people of Nilambur to protect their rights legally by registering under GI Act, they said.