Kuttiady Coconut Seeks GI Tag Recognition

Quick Summary

• Kuttiady coconut, a distinctive variety from Kozhikode, Kerala, is being considered for receiving the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• The coconut variety is high-yielding and starts producing within five years of planting. It has strong pest-resistant trunks and more than 100 years of life expectancy.
• The fruits are larger and heavier with thicker kernels that yield more oil compared to other varieties.
• Farmers in Kuttiady have faced challenges due to unpredictable weather leading to crop loss and issues such as ‘Mandari’ (coconut mite),affecting yields.
• Efforts by Kavilumpara gram panchayat started three years ago, supported by Kerala Agricultural university (KAU), with ₹3 lakh allocated for GI documentation work in its annual budget.
• Intellectual Property Rights cell officials briefed on the application process during a visit on August 26, noting potential benefits in national and international marketing.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The initiative to secure a GI tag for the Kuttiady coconut highlights Kerala’s commitment to preserving its agricultural heritage while leveraging global markets. Such recognition could bolster farmers’ income by enhancing product branding nationally and internationally. However, concerns raised by farmers about pest infestation (‘mandari’) and decreased yields due to severe weather underline vulnerabilities in agricultural sustainability even for robust varieties like this one. Addressing farmer complaints through government interventions alongside securing the GI tag could drive both short-term relief and long-term growth for this local industry.Read More: The Hindu