Authoor beetel leaves in TN gets GI recognition

The Geographical Indication registry has recently issued the GI certificate to the Thoothukudi district administration for Authoor betel leaves.

Chennai, July 13 (BPNS)

The Geographical Indication registry has recently issued the GI certificate to the Thoothukudi district administration for Authoor betel leaves.

The tag was felicitated by the Tamil Nadu State Agriculture Marketing Board and NABARD Madurai Agribusiness Incubation Forum and is registered in the name of Authoor Vattara Vetrilai Vivasaigal Sangam.

The betel leaves commonly known as Vettrilai has found mention in the 13^th century book of Marco Polo, ‘The Venetian’. Thoothukudi district officials told BPNS that several ancient stone inscriptions reveal the archaic richness and significance of Authoor Vettrilai in Tamil culture and lives.

Sources in Thoothukudi district administration told BPNS that steps are being taken to market the GI tag of Authoor betel leaves across the country as well as in International markets.

The GI certificate will soon be served to the Authoor Vattarai Vettrilai Viyabarigal Sangam.