With its historical roots traced back over 80 years to Nadikuda Village and Mandal. The chilli is unique with tomato-like shape, and three distinct fruit types—Single Patti, Double Patti, and Odalu

EKALAVYA MALLEPALLi  | Hyderabad 

The renowned Warangal Chapata Chilli, popularly known as the "Tomato Chilli", has officially received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Government of India’s GI Registry. The GI application, numbered 984, was filed in 2022, and the recognition was granted on Wednesday.

Known for its mild pungency and rich color, Warangal Chapata Chilli is cultivated mainly in Nagaram village of Jammikunta Mandal, with its historical roots traced back over 80 years to Nadikuda Village and Mandal. The chilli is unique in its blocky, tomato-like shape, with three distinct fruit types—Single Patti, Double Patti, and Odalu.

The application for the GI tag was filed by Thimmampet Chilly Farmer Producer Company Limited, in collaboration with Janna Reddy Venkat Reddy Horticultural Research Station (JVR HRS), Malyal, Mahabubabad District, and Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTGHU), Telangana.

Price to shoot up

The GI registration process was led by Subhajit Saha, a GI practitioner and founder of Resolute4IP. Speaking on the significance of the GI tag, Saha stated that the recognition will allow farmers to market their produce at a higher price, potentially increasing the current rate of Rs 300 per kg to Rs 450-Rs 500 per kg. He emphasized that branding and packaging will be key factors in marketing the product, and efforts will be made to ensure Authorized Users registration so that all farmers benefit from the GI certification.

The Thimmampet Chilly Farmer Producer Company Limited welcomed this recognition, with its president, Rajkumar Reddy, expressing optimism that the GI tag will open new markets and boost export opportunities for the region’s chilli farmers.

Dr. Bhasker, a scientist from JVR HRS, who played a key role in fulfilling the technical requirements for the GI registration, highlighted that this milestone will encourage more horticultural products from Telangana to seek GI recognition in the future.

With the Warangal Chapata Chilli now officially recognized, farmers can expect greater visibility, better pricing, and expanded market access, making this a significant achievement for Telangana’s agricultural community.