Telangana: Sajjapur Colocasia set to get GI tag

Sajjapur chamadumpa from Telangana has moved closer to receiving a GI tag after technical acceptance of its application. The recognition is expected to benefit farmers through better pricing, market access and protection of the region-specific variety.

Hyderabad: Renowned Sajjapur Colocasia (chamadumpa) may soon get a Geographical Indication (GI) tag as the application to the GI Registry, Chennai, has received technical acceptance. The Sajjapur chamadumpa is the first Colocasia variety applied for GI protection.

Subhajith Saha, Head, Legal, Resolute4ip, filed the application in the name of Telangana Council of Science and Technology (TGCOST). Dr Pidigam Saidaiah, professor at Telangana Horticultural University, is the principal investigator of the GI project supported by TGCOST.

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Prior to filing, Dr Saidaiah gathered vital information on proof of origin of Sajjapur chamadumpa, its varietal characters, biochemical profiling, farmers’ practices, DNA tagging, links to geography for its unique characters, among other aspects of this Colocasia grown in Sajjapur village of Kohir mandal in Sangareddy district.

Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University Vice Chancellor Dr Danda Raji Reddy said GI registration could be a game-changer for farmers, especially those cultivating the Sajjapur colocasia variety.

It has economic and market advantages, including premium pricing, market differentiation and export potential. GI-tagged products fetch higher prices due to their established quality and authenticity.

Sajjapur chamadumpa is a region-specific taro landrace distinguished by its visually striking tubers, superior culinary quality and deep-rooted cultural significance.

The most defining feature of this variety is the presence of purple streaks or blotches on the tuber skin, a trait rarely observed in commercial cultivars and believed to be influenced by the unique mineral composition of the black cotton soils in Sajjapur village.