New Geographical Indication Products

Recently, five products from Tamil Nadhave secured the Geographical Indications (GI) tag.

About New Geographical Indication Products

Woraiyur Cotton Sari

It is native to Tiruchi district, and is woven in Manamedon the banks of the Cauvery.

They are known for their distinctive Korvai border (a continuous running pattern) — block colour palettes, and geometric motifs.

The border has different motifs, including many geometrical shapes.

The Devanga community has been the driving force behind the Woraiyur cotton sarees for generations.

Thooyamalli Rice

Thooyamalli, meaning ‘pure jasmine’, is a traditional sambha-season rice variety grown over 135 - 140 days.

It is often referred to as ‘pearl rice’ due to its shiny nature and is regarded highly for its nutritional benefits.

Kavindapadi ‘NaatSakkarai’

Kavindapadi in Erode district is a major supplier of jaggery powder in Tamil Nadu, with vast stretches of sugarcane fields nourished by the Lower Bhavani Project canal.

It is made locally by mechanically crushing the cane and slowly evaporating the extracted juice.

Namakkal ‘Kalchatti’

Namakkal’s famed cookware is made using soapstone (makkal pathirangal).

It is popularly known as kalchatti, and has been a staple in South Indian kitchens for generations.

Ambasamudram ‘ChoppSaman’

Origin: The art of making choppsaman (wooden toys) has been practiced for over two centuries, with origins tracing back to the 18th century.

This craft involves the careful handcrafting of miniature wooden toys — from tiny kitchen utensils to small tables, chairs, and other play objects.

Material used:Traditionally, these toys were carved from indigenous trees like the Manjal Kadamba tree (Neolamarckia cadamba), teak, and rosewood