Warangal Chapata Chilli gets the GI tag

Warangal Chapata chilli, known as Tomato chilli, receives Geographical Indication tag for its unique properties and cultivation history.

The Warangal Chapata chilli, or as it is called Tomato chilli, from the State has been granted the Geographical Indication tag by the GI Registry, government of India on March 28. The chilli is called Tomato chilli as it has a bright red colour and is shaped round like a tomato. This is the 18th produce from Telangana that has secured the coveted GI tag.

“We are very happy with this development. It will expand the market for the the spice we have been cultivating in the family for more than 100 years. The chilli is less spicy but lends a bright red colour with extensive flavour due to its capsicum oleoresin properties,” said Rajkumar Reddy who has been cultivating the crop for 45 years in his native Thimmampet village.

“The Warangal Chapata is under cultivation in the villages of Nagaram of Jammikunta mandal since more than 80 years while Nadikuda village and mandal could be the oldest source. Later it spread over the surrounding villages by sharing of seed through their relatives particularly Velama community,” according to Subhajit Saha, GI Practitioner and Founder of Resolute4IP, who helped steer the application filed by a clutch of institutions.

The GI application numbered 984 was filed in 2022 by Thimmampet Chilli Farmer Producer Company Limited and Janna Reddy Venkat Reddy Horticultural Research Station, Malyal, Mahabubabad, and Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University.

There are three fruit types existing in the Warangal Chapata chilli, namely the single patti, double patti and odalu. The farmers are expecting a near doubling of the price from its current ₹300 per kilogramme to ₹550.