GI Tags Of Kerala
Kerala, fondly known as “God’s Own Country,” is a narrow strip of land blessed with the Western Ghats, backwaters, and a tropical climate that nurtures exceptional biodiversity and unique traditional knowledge. The state has built a rich and diverse Geographical Indication (GI) portfolio since 2003, with many registrations in the early years of India’s GI system. These tags protect products whose distinctive qualities arise from Kerala’s specific geography, traditional farming practices, and indigenous craftsmanship.
Kerala’s GI tags span premium agricultural produce (especially rice varieties and fruits), unique food items, and exquisite handicrafts. Supported by the Kerala Agricultural University, state departments, and artisan societies, these registrations safeguard authenticity, empower farmers and artisans, boost market value and exports, preserve rare crop varieties and traditional skills, and promote cultural tourism across the state.
Here is a detailed overview of the GI-tagged products from Kerala:
Agricultural Products
- Navara Rice (Application No. 17)
Registered: 25.11.2004 (Agricultural)
One of the oldest known rice varieties in India, cultivated in Palakkad and other parts of Kerala. Famous for its medicinal properties (used in Ayurvedic treatments, especially for joint and muscle ailments), short grains, and nutritional value. Navara is often used in “Navarakizhi,” a traditional Ayurvedic therapy. - Palakkadan Matta Rice (Application No. 36)
Registered: 18.04.2005 (Agricultural)
A robust, red parboiled rice variety from the Palakkad region, known for its coarse texture, high fibre content, distinctive nutty flavour, and health benefits. It is a staple in Kerala households and widely used for idli, dosa, and daily meals. - Pokkali Rice (Application No. 81)
Registered: 29.01.2007 (Agricultural)
An organic, salt-tolerant rice variety grown in the coastal wetlands of Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Alappuzha using the unique Pokkali farming system (paddy–prawn rotation). It is highly nutritious, flood-resistant, and cultivated without chemical inputs. - Vazhakulam Pineapple (Application Nos. 130 & 141)
Registered: 27.08.2008 & 15.10.2008 (Agricultural)
Also known as “Kerala Pineapple” or “Mauritius” variety, grown in Vazhakulam (Ernakulam district). It is prized for its exceptional sweetness, juiciness, golden-yellow flesh, pleasant aroma, and longer shelf life. It is one of Kerala’s most exported fruits. - Wayanad Jeerakasala Rice & Wayanad Gandhakasala Rice (Application Nos. 186 & 187)
Registered: 23.09.2009 (Agricultural)
Two aromatic, short-grain rice varieties from the Wayanad hills. Jeerakasala has a cumin-like fragrance, while Gandhakasala has a stronger, unique aroma. Both are organically grown by tribal communities and used in traditional Kerala cuisine and rituals. - Kaipad Rice (Application No. 242)
Registered: 08.09.2011 (Agricultural)
Organically cultivated rice from the saline-prone Kaipad wetlands of northern Kerala using an eco-friendly, traditional system involving fish and prawn integration. - Chengalikodan Nendran Banana (Application No. 479)
Registered: 28.03.2014 (Agricultural)
A superior variety of Nendran banana from Thrissur district, known for its thick skin, firm texture, mild sweetness, and excellent quality for chips and cooking. - Nilambur Teak (Application No. 543)
Registered: 18.01.2016 (Agricultural)
World-famous premium teak wood from Nilambur (Malappuram district), renowned for its golden colour, high oil content, durability, and superior grain. It is considered one of the best teaks globally for shipbuilding and furniture. - Wayanad Robusta Coffee (Application No. 605)
Registered: 01.01.2018 (Agricultural)
High-quality Robusta coffee grown in the Wayanad hills, appreciated for its bold flavour, good body, and balanced bitterness. - Tirur Betel Leaf (Tirur Vettila) (Application No. 641)
Registered: 20.12.2018 (Agricultural)
A premium betel leaf variety from Tirur (Malappuram), known for its unique taste, aroma, and medicinal properties.
11–16. Other Notable Agricultural GI Tags (Registered 2019–2022)
– Attappady Aattukombu Avara & Attappady Thuvara (Nos. 686, 687) — Special cowpea and pigeon pea varieties from the Attappady tribal region.
– Onattukara Ellu (No. 736) — Sesame seeds from Onattukara.
– Kanthalloor Vattavada Veluthulli (No. 749) — Garlic from Idukki.
– Kodungallur Pottuvellari (No. 752) — Ash gourd variety.
– Kuttiattoor Mango (No. 660) — Unique mango from Kannur.
– Edayur Chilli (No. 662) — Special chilli variety.
– Thalanadan Grambu (Clove) (No. 1038) — High-quality cloves from Wayanad.Food Stuff
- Central Travancore Jaggery (Application No. 163)
Registered: 02.03.2009 (Food Stuff)
Traditional palm jaggery from Central Travancore, known for its rich flavour, dark colour, and purity. - Marayoor Jaggery (Marayoor Sharkara) (Application No. 613)
Registered: 16.03.2018 (Food Stuff)
Premium, chemical-free jaggery from Marayoor (Idukki), made from sugarcane grown in high ranges. It has a distinct taste and is widely used in traditional sweets and Ayurveda.
Handicrafts
- Aranmula Kannadi (Aranmula Metal Mirror) (Application No. 3)
Registered: 08.12.2003 (Handicraft)
The legendary handmade metal mirror from Aranmula (Pathanamthitta), made from a special copper-tin alloy. Unlike glass mirrors, it reflects images without distortion and holds deep cultural and ritual significance. - Payyannur Pavithra Ring (Application No. 6)
Registered: 23.02.2004 (Handicraft)
Sacred gold ring traditionally worn by Brahmins, crafted with intricate designs using a unique weaving-like technique in gold wires. - Alleppey Coir (Application No. 54)
Registered: 03.07.2006 (Handicraft)
World-famous coir products (mats, carpets, ropes, and geo-textiles) from Alappuzha, made from coconut fibre using traditional spinning and weaving methods. Kerala holds a major share of global coir exports. - Brass Broidered Coconut Shell Crafts of Kerala (Application No. 57)
Registered: 26.07.2006 (Handicraft)
Exquisite handicrafts made from coconut shells with intricate brass inlay and engraving work. - Screw Pine Craft of Kerala (Application No. 58)
Registered: 26.07.2006 (Handicraft)
Eco-friendly products (mats, bags, baskets, and home décor) woven from screw pine (thazha) leaves. - Maddalam of Palakkad (Application No. 59)
Registered: 26.07.2006 (Handicraft)
Traditional percussion instrument used in classical music, temple rituals, and Kathakali performances, crafted with specific wood and skin. - Cannanore Home Furnishings (Application No. 144)
Registered: 14.11.2008 (Handicraft)
High-quality handloom home textiles and furnishings from Kannur, known for their durability and elegant designs. - Balaramapuram Sarees and Fine Cotton Fabrics (Application No. 152)
Registered: 19.01.2009 (Handicraft)
Traditional fine cotton sarees and fabrics from Balaramapuram (Thiruvananthapuram), featuring simple yet elegant designs with zari borders. Woven on pit looms using age-old techniques.
Kerala’s GI registrations beautifully reflect the state’s natural wealth and cultural depth, from nutrient-rich heritage rice varieties like Navara and Pokkali (that support sustainable and organic farming) to the sweetness of Vazhakulam pineapple and Marayoor jaggery, the grandeur of Nilambur teak, and the artistry of Aranmula Kannadi and Alleppey coir.
These tags provide legal protection against imitation, increase premium pricing and export potential, support thousands of small farmers and artisan families, conserve rare crop varieties and traditional knowledge, and enhance tourism to regions like Wayanad, Palakkad, Alappuzha, and Nilambur.
Whether enjoyed as a bowl of fragrant Wayanad rice, a slice of juicy pineapple, the therapeutic Navara treatment, or the timeless reflection of an Aranmula mirror, these GI-tagged products embody the essence of Kerala, a harmonious blend of nature, tradition, and sustainable living.
Supporting authentic GI products from Kerala helps preserve this rich heritage while empowering local communities in “God’s Own Country.”