A garlic farm in Vattavada in Idukki
| Photo Credit: JOMON PAMPAVALLEY
Notwithstanding its geographical indication standing and excessive demand from medicinal firms, the Kanthaloor-Vattavada Veluthulli, a conventional farm product from Idukki, is struggling to find markets.
According to farmers, the garlic is broadly bought in markets throughout Tamil Nadu whereas it was but to evoke any optimistic response from Kerala.
Ok Jayaprakash, president of the vegetable farmer’s society in Vattavada, stated that the farmers are relying on the Vadukappetty garlic market in Tamil Nadu for its sale.
Mr. Jayaprakash stated that although the dimensions of garlic grown in Vattavada and Kanthalloor was small it’s primarily used for ayurvedic medicines. The Kanthaloor- Vattavada garlic has demand amongst ayurvedic medical firms for its excessive oil content material. The value of dried garlic per kg is ₹130 to ₹200 within the Vadukappetty market, he stated.
C. R. Elsi, former professor and coordinator, of IPR cell, at Kerala Agricultural University, who led the submission of GI tag for Kanthaloor -Vattavada garlic, stated that the GI tag facility would assist the farmers to find correct markets. The farmers can solely market their product and earn extra revenue with the banner of GI tag.”
“ The government should take steps to find a proper market in the State for the special garlic grown in Kerala. The product achieved GI tag with the special interest of former Agriculture Minister V. S. Sunil Kumar, “ said Ms. Elsi.
The hill garlic (Mala poondu) and Sigapu Poondu are the two traditional garlic varities cultivated in Vattavada and Kanthaloor regions. It is estimated that nearly 75 % of the farming area in the region is under garlic cultivation. Compared to other vegetable crops, the cost of cultivating garlic is higher, and it is preferred by the farmers as it yields a higher income.
An official of the KAU said that a scientific study proved that the Kanthalloor -Vattavada garlic y has a nearly one-year shelf life.
In his book, British planter J.D. Munro also pointed to garlic in Anchunad hills and pointed that the traditional farming has a long history. “The trade with Unjeenaad is in the hands of Mussulmans from Odumellapetta in Coimbatore and Bodynaikenoor, and is arranged by barter. Rice, wheat, and garlic being given to the trader for clothes, chilllies and brass vessels,“ said the book.
“What the latter can do has been shown by the ryots of Unjeenaad, who have converted the grass and scrubs hills into highly cultivated terraces of wheat, rice, and garlic,” stated the e book.