New GI tag products of Tamil Nadu

Why in News?

Five products from Tamil Nadu have secured the Geographical Indications (GI) tag, spotlighting the State’s diverse craftsmanship and agricultural heritage.

• Total Products – With this 5 products, Tamil Nadu now has 74 products with GI tags.

As of now, Uttar Pradesh (77) has the highest number of GI tags products followed by Tamil Nadu (74), and Karnataka (around 45).

New 5 products

1. Woraiyur cotton sari
   • Category – Handloom textile (Handicraft).
   • It is known for lightness, durability, and intricate borders.
   • Place of weaving - Manamedu village, on the banks of the Cauvery in Tiruchi district.
   • Raw material sourcing – Cotton yarn comes from Coimbatore and Rajapalayam, and Dyes are procured from Jayamkondam, linking another local economy into the process.

2. Kavindapadi nattu sakkarai
   • Category – Agricultural product.
   • It is a country sugar made from locally cultivated cane; valued for purity and traditional processing.
   • Location – Kavindapadi village in Erode district.
   • Distinctiveness – Known for its granular texture, natural sweetness, and long shelf life and free from chemical additives.
3. Thooyamalli rice     
   • Category – Agricultural product.
   • It is a traditional rice (non-hybrid variety) prized for nutritional and cultural value.
   • High fiber content aids digestion, Source of protein, fiber, iron, zinc, and minerals.
   • Name & Meaning – Thooyamalli translates to “pure jasmine”, reflecting its pearly shine and subtle fragrance.
4. Namakkal ‘kalchatti’       
   • Category – Handicraft.               
   • It is a soapstone utensils from Namakkal; eco-friendly, and part of local artisanal tradition prized for heat retention and slow cooking.

5. Ambasamudram ‘choppu saman’(wooden toys)
   • Category – Handicraft.               
   • Location – Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu.
   • Historical Roots – Practiced for over two centuries, tracing back to the 18^th century.
   • Craft Tradition – Miniature wooden toys replicate everyday household objects — kitchen utensils, tables, chairs — sparking children’s imagination and role-play learning.
   • Materials Used – Traditionally carved from indigenous trees such as:
     • Manjal Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba)
     • Teak
     • Rosewood
   • Distinctiveness – Eco-friendly, hand-painted, durable, and deeply tied to Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage of toy-making.

Reference

The Hindu | 5 products from TN got GI tag