Authoor Vetrilai

Authoor Vetrilai
Geographical indication
Description	Betel leaf variety cultivated in Tamil Nadu, India
Type	Betel leaf
Area	Authoor and nearby areas of Thoothukudi district
Country	India
Registered	31 March 2023
Official website	ipindia.gov.in

Authoor Vetrilai is a traditional crop variety of Betel leaf cultivated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.[1] It is mainly cultivated in Authoor, Rajapathi, Chokkapalakarai, Maranthalai, Vellakoil, Melaattur, Sernthapoomangalam, Vazhavallan, Korkai and Umarikadu block panchayaths of Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu.[2]

Under its Geographical Indication tag, it is referred to as "Authoor Vetrilai".[3]

Name

It is named after its place of origin, the Authoor region.[4] "Vetrilai" means "betel leaf" in the local state language of Tamil.[5]

Description

This variety of betel leaf comes in three distinct variants - Nattukodi, Pachaikodi, and Karpoori.[6] The book "The Travels of Marco Polo (The Venetian)" mentions the use of betel leaves in the city of Kael, which is located just 10 km from Authoor village.[7] Authoor and nearby areas in Thoothukudi district are famous for betel vine cultivation, covering 200 hectares.[1] The Thamirabarani river is the primary source of irrigation. Betel leaves play a significant role in various aspects of life, including food, medicine, social, and religious purposes. They are an essential item in social gatherings, weddings, and festivals.[7] The majority of people in Authoor and nearby areas depend on betel vine cultivation and allied sectors for their livelihood. The farmers of Authoor cultivate several varieties of betel leaves, including 'Chakkai', 'Maaththu', 'Raasi', and 'Sanna Ragam'. However, it's the 'Chakkai' and 'Maaththu' varieties that are in high demand and enjoy an excellent market in major cities across India, including Indore, Jaipur, Bhopal, Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Bengaluru, Nellore, and Thiruvananthapuram.[4]

Geographical indication

It was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry, under the Union Government of India, on 31 March 2023 which is valid up to 10 November 2030.[8][9]

Authoor Vattara Vetrilai Viyasayigal Sangam from Authoor, proposed the GI registration of 'Authoor Vetrilai'.[6] After filing the application in November 2020, the Betel leaf was granted the GI tag in 2023 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Authoor Vetrilai" exclusive to the Betel leaf cultivated in the region. It thus became the first Betel leaf variety from Tamil Nadu and the 53rd type of goods from Tamil Nadu to earn the GI tag.[10][11][12]

The prestigious GI tag, awarded by the GI registry, certifies that a product possesses distinct qualities, adheres to traditional production methods, and has earned a reputation rooted in its geographical origin.

See also

See also

• Banaras Pan
• Magahi Paan
• Tirur Betel Leaf
• Sholavandan Vetrilai

References

1. Kandavel, Sangeetha (11 November 2020). "GI tag sought for Authoor Vetrilai". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
2. Dass, S. Godson Wisely (9 April 2023). "Spicy Authoor vetrilai of Tamil Nadu bags GI tag". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
3. "Authoor Vetrilai". Intellectual Property India. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
4. "Geographic Index certificate handed over to 'Authoor betel leaf' farmers". The Hindu. 8 September 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
5. "Betel leaf — much maligned, yet valuable". The Hindu. 4 November 2010. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
6. Kandavel, Sangeetha (26 December 2023). "The three betel leaf varieties of Tamil Nadu that stand out for their taste and aroma". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
7. "GI Tag For Betel Leaf? Authoor Vattara Vetrilai Viyabarigal Sangam Seeks Geographical Indication Tag for Authoor Vetrilai". Yahoo News. 12 November 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
8. "Manapparai murukku, Salem sago all set to get GI tag". The Times of India. 1 April 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
9. "Authoor Betel Leaf". Intellectual Property India. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
10. Service, Express News (13 July 2023). "Geographical Indication certificate issued for Authoor betel leaves". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
11. "Watch | Tamil Nadu's Authoor betel leaf gets Geographical Indication tag". The Hindu. 11 April 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
12. Kandavel, Sangeetha (31 March 2023). "Manapparai murukku, Cumbum panneer thratchai, Marthandam honey among 11 products from T.N. to get GI tag". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 January 2025.