CHENNAI, July 13 (IANS) Othur betel leaf from Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu has recently been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) certificate.
Honored by Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board and NABARD Madurai Agribusiness Incubation Forum, the GI brand is registered in the name of Uthur Vatara Vetrilai Vivasaigal Sangam.
Betel leaf known as “Vettrilai” was mentioned in the 13th century book by Marco Polo, “Venice”.
Thoothukudi district officials told IANS that several ancient stone inscriptions reveal the ancient richness and importance of Uthur Vetrilai in Tamil culture.
Sources in the Thoothukudi district administration have told IANS that steps are being taken to market the GI brand of betel leaf othur across the country as well as in the international markets.
GI Certificate will soon be presented to Authoor Vattarai Vettrilai Viyabarigal Sangam.
– Jans
aal/ksk
