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Hans India
25-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Sivakasi fireworks industry seeks GI tag to preserve legacy and boost exports
The century-old fireworks industry in Tamil Nadu's Sivakasi has formally applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in a bid to protect its legacy, enhance credibility, and open new avenues for exports. The application for the GI tag under the "manufactured goods" category was submitted to the Geographical Indications Registry by the Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association (TANFAMA), through advocate and IPR attorney, P. Suganthi. Often referred to as the 'fireworks capital of India,' Sivakasi, and its surrounding regions like Vemkottai, Virudhunagar, Sattur, Srivilliputhur, and parts of Kovilpatti, produce over 80 per cent of the country's fireworks. The industry thrives in Sivakasi's dry climate, which is particularly well-suited for firework manufacturing. The sector has a market value of approximately Rs 6,000 crore, growing at a rate of nearly 10 per cent annually. "There are many illegal and unregulated units operating not just in Sivakasi, but across the country. We are the pioneers of this industry, and a GI tag will help distinguish authentic Sivakasi-made fireworks. It will also enable us to seek financial support and expand into international markets," a TANFAMA representative said. Intellectual Property Rights attorney P. Sanjai Gandhi emphasised that a GI tag could help curb the menace of counterfeit and substandard fireworks in the market. "A GI tag lends credibility and acts as a safeguard against duplicate products," he said. The industry has long struggled with safety concerns, as illegal manufacturing units have contributed to frequent accidents involving fires and explosions. By securing a GI tag, the association hopes to reinforce quality control and improve safety standards. According to the GI filing, Sivakasi-made fireworks are used beyond celebrations. They are utilised by the armed forces for training purposes, and certain airports use Sivakasi rockets to deter birds and prevent bird strikes. The history of this industry dates back to pre-Independence days, with three pioneering firms—National Fireworks (chain crackers), Kaliswari Fireworks (fire pots), and Standard Fireworks ('Lakshmi' bombs). By 1980, the number of factories had surged to 189, employing over 75,000 people. Today, the region houses more than 1,000 units. Despite its growth, the industry faces challenges, including environmental concerns and a lack of interest among the younger generation to join the family trade. Manufacturers hope that a GI tag will revitalise interest and secure the future of this iconic industry.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
GI tag sought for ‘Sivakasi Fireworks'
The century old fireworks industry in Sivakasi has now approached the Geographical Indications Registry seeking a tag. An application was filed by the Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association (TANFAMA) for 'Sivakasi Fireworks' under manufactured goods category. This particular application was filed by Advocate & IPR Attorney, P. Suganthi. Fireworks are made at factories and small cottages in villages across Sivakasi, Vemkottai, Virudhunagar, Sattur, Srivilliputhur and in some areas of Kovilpatti region. In India over 80% of fireworks are manufactured in this region. Its market size is about ₹6,000 crore which is growing annually at 10%. Sivakasi, as a dry region, has a climate that is ideal for firework manufacturing. 'There are many illegal units operating in and around Sivakasi as well as in other parts of India. Since we are the pioneers of this industry, we are seeking a geographical indication tag. Obtaining a GI tag will also help us get monetary support and we can start exports from here,' said a member of TANFAMA. IPR Attorney Gandhi said: 'Obtaining a GI tag for Sivakasi Fireworks will help curb duplicate crackers in the market.' Due to the illegal units, this industry witnessed a series of accidents such as explosions and fires that cause injuries and death over the years. According to details in the filing, Sivakasi fireworks are used in armed forces training. Some airports utilize Sivakasi rocket to repel birds to prevent bird strikes. Historical records show that when this industry commenced there were three companies – National fireworks (which made 1,000 round chain cracker), Kaliswari fireworks (made fire pots) and Standard fireworks (made Lakshmi bomb). Post independence, the growth was explosive. From three factories in 1942 the numbers went to 189 by the year 1980, with employment numbers jumping from 800 to over 75,000. By 2001, Sivakasi was home to over 450 factories and its market size was ₹.2,500 crore. Currently, there are over 1,000 units in this region. 'The next generation is currently reluctant to return and take over the fireworks business. Additionally, the industry is grappling with various challenges, including concerns about pollution. So, we are hopeful obtaining a tag will help us in some way,' another manufacturer in this region said.
The Hindu
13-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
NABARD and MABIF facilitate GI applications for Sevur Groundnut, Kalakadu Banana, Kallidaikurichi Appalam and Adhanakotai Cashew
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum (MABIF) have facilitated applications seeking Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Sevur Groundnut, Kalakadu Banana, Kallidaikurichi Appalam and Adhanakotai Cashew. IPR attorney Gandhi filed the applications on behalf of the associations and the facilitators who have sought for GI tag. The Sevur Nilakkadalai Urpathiyalargal Sangam is the applicant for Sevur Groundnut which is cultivated in Sevur village and its surrounding regions in Kangeyam taluk of Tiruppur. Villages including Padiyur, Nathakkadaiyur, Pappankulam, Nattaramangalam, Uthiyur, and Vellakovil also cultivate these groundnuts. These locations fall under semi-arid zones with red loamy and sandy soils, making them ideal for groundnut cultivation. Sevur Groundnut is cultivated on around 4,600 acres, extending up to 10,000 acres during peak seasons. The crop is grown once a year. It is sown in September and harvested by November. In areas with well irrigation, it is cultivated twice a year. This particular groundnut has an average yield of 1,000 to 1,200 kg per hectare and in some cases yields can reach 1,500 to 1,800 kg per hectare. The primary applicant for the Kalakadu Banana is the Kalakadu Banana Urpathiyalargal Sangam. This banana is cultivated in Kalakad region of Tirunelveli. The region's proximity to the seacoast and its tropical climate creates the perfect environment for banana cultivation. The applicants in the filing mentioned that the humid conditions, combined with the fertile alluvial soils, allow the banana plants to thrive, producing fruits with distinct characteristics that are highly valued in both local and international markets. The Kalakadu Banana is typically 15–18 cm long, 3–4.5 cm in diameter, weighs 100–150 grams. Kallidaikurichi Appalam is a traditional, handcrafted papad made from finely ground black gram (urad dal), mixed with salt and asafoetida, and prepared using water sourced from the famous Tamirabarani River. The application for this product was filed by the Kallidaikurichi Appalam Urpathiyalargal Sangam. The black gram used is locally cultivated and processed by skilled artisans, many of whom belong to families involved in this business for generations. The product supports numerous cottage industries and provides livelihood opportunities to local communities in this region. The Adhanakotai Cashew Vaazhai Urpathiyalargal have asked for a GI tag for the Adhanakotai Cashew. The Adhanakotai village located in Pudukkottai is known for its favourable climatic conditions, red loamy soil, and moderate rainfall, which contribute to the growth of high-quality cashew trees. These cashews are traditionally hand-roasted, giving them a distinctive smoky flavour and rich taste. .
The Hindu
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
GI tag sought for Pollachi Tall Coconut
The Pollachi Tall Coconut, locally known as Pollachi Nettai Thennai, is a highly sought-after variety of coconut that enjoys significant demand during the summer months. In a bid to preserve its authenticity and protect the interests of local farmers, the producers have formally applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The application was filed by Coimbatore Coconut Producer Company Limited along with Vinayaga Coconut Farmer Producer Company Limited, Anaimalai Coconut Producer Company Limited and Pollachi Poorna Producer Company Limited. The Department of Agricultural Economics, Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies (CARDS), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore and the Coconut Research Station, Aliyar Nagar, Pollachi were the facilitators for this application. Gandhi, an IPR attorney who has helped Tamil Nadu get GI tags for its products said: 'The Pollachi Tall Coconut is known for its large nut size, high water content in tender coconuts, thick shells, and superior copra quantity and also for its oil.' The Pollachi Tall coconut tree grows to a height of 50 to 60 feet (15-18 m). Mohanraj Shanmugham, Chairman of Anaimalai Coconut Producer Company Limited told The Hindu that in Tamil Nadu, Pollachi stands out as the top producer of coconuts. 'Even in North India, people often specifically ask for Pollachi coconuts. The coconuts from here are sent to Middle East and Singapore among others,' he said. Mr. Shanmugham mentioned, 'Our FPO supports more than 590 farmers, with each farmer typically owning 10 acres of land. On average, each acre is planted with 70 trees.' Coimbatore Coconut Producer Company, Chairman R A Sakthivel said that obtaining a GI tag would create more awareness among farmers. There are over 2056 farmers under his organization. 'Getting a GI tag will also benefit the value-added products that come out of coconut,' P K Padmanaban, Chairman of Vinayaga Coconut Farmer Producer Company Limited said. The major cultivation areas for Pollachi Tall Coconuts include Anaimalai, Pollachi North, and Pollachi South blocks. These blocks are supported by Aliyar Dam for irrigation. The Aliyar project was primarily constructed for irrigation purposes to support agriculture in the Coimbatore district. Built in 1959 as part of the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP), it helps to regulate water distribution through a network of canals and reservoirs. The project significantly improved irrigation facilities, allowing farmers to cultivate crops more efficiently. After the completion of the Aliyar Project, coconut cultivation increased considerably in the Pollachi and Anaimalai regions. The assured water supply from the dam enabled farmers to expand coconut plantations, transforming these areas into major hub for coconut farming.
