Efforts to secure Geographical Indication status for Tiptur copra are gaining traction after years of discussion. The product is widely recognised in domestic and export markets, and growers have long requested formal protection.
A recent meeting with officials from the Horticulture Department and APMC representatives identified the Tiptur Farmers' Producer Organisation and the Coconut FPO as the applicants for the GI process. According to the meeting outcome, the Horticulture Department will provide financial support, and the APMC will cooperate through the application phase.
Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department, Sharadamma, said, "In Tumakuru district, an award-winning Farmers' Producer Organisation (FPO) has initiated the GI process for Tiptur coconut and its products. They have consulted technical experts from the Ramayana Institute and engaged the Ramayana Intellectual Property Registry for application filing and document collection."
The process requires laboratory testing of Tiptur copra samples and the identification of the geographical area. Regions including Tiptur, Gubbi, Chikkanayakanahalli, Channarayapatna, Arsikere, and Hosadurga taluks have been listed as key producing areas for assessment. Once test results and geographic boundaries are finalised, a formal submission will be made. Officials expect the GI recognition could take up to two years.
If approved, the GI tag would restrict unauthorised use of the name and provide growers with legal protection. Stakeholders expect improved price realisation, stronger market differentiation, and preservation of local processing practices. The initiative is also viewed as a way to support farm-level income and create opportunities across the coconut value chain.
Source: IansLive
