Thalanad clove gets GI tag

Kerala Agricultural University secures GI tag for Thalanad cloves, boosting branding and promotion in international market.

The Agriculture department and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) have succeeded in securing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the cloves of Thalanad (Thalanadan grambu) in Kottayam district.

The GI tag, granted by the Centre, is expected to aid the branding and promotion of the spice in the international market. The Thalanad grama panchayat, situated 3,000 ft above sea level in the Meenachil taluk, Kottayam, is ideal for the cultivation of cloves, the Agriculture department said in a statement on Thursday. The Thalanad clove is distinguished by the attractive colour of the buds and overall quality, according to the department.

Clove is the aromatic flower bud of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum). Called ‘grambu’ and ‘karayampoo’ in Malayalam, the buds find use as a flavouring agent, condiment and in medicines. A KAU study had revealed that the Thalanad clove has a higher content of eugenol and caryophyllene compared to cloves from other regions, the department said. Harvest takes place during December-January.

Following the development, the Thalanadan Clove Growers and Processing Industrial Cooperative Society has begun efforts to introduce the clove in the market under the brand name. The society coordinates the collection, processing, grading, and marketing of the clove.