Warangal Chapata Chilli, also known as Tomato Chilli, has officially received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a proud moment for Telangana’s agriculture. With this, it becomes the 18th GI-tagged product from Telangana and the third GI-certified agricultural product, after Banaganapalli Mango and Tandur Red Gram. This GI recognition not only protects the chilli’s unique identity but also boosts its market value, creates export opportunities, and improves income prospects for thousands of farmers growing this distinct variety in the region. The GI tag is expected to attract global demand and increase awareness of this bright red, flavourful chilli, which has been cultivated in the Warangal region for over 80 years.
What Makes Warangal Chapata Chilli Special?
The Warangal Chapata Chilli is known for its:
- Bright red colour
- Tomato-like round shape
- Mild pungency but rich flavour
- Very low levels of capsaicin
- High oleoresin content ranging from 6.37% to 6.75%
It contains capsicum oleoresin, which gives it its vibrant red colour and offers health benefits such as anti-obesity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Due to its mild spice and appealing colour, it is widely used in pickles, spice mixes, and food processing.
Types of Warangal Chapata Chilli
There are three types of this chilli:
- Single Patti
- Double Patti
- Odalu
Each type has its own unique size, shape, and usage preference.
Where and How Is It Grown?
This chilli is mainly grown in the red and black soils of Telangana, especially in:
- Nagaram and Nadikuda villages, where it has been cultivated for over 80 years
- Spread across Warangal, Hanmakonda, Mulugu, and Bhupalpally districts
Around 20,000 farmers are cultivating this chilli over an area of about 3,000 hectares, producing nearly 11,000 tonnes every year. It has been grown in this region for more than eight decades, and the unique combination of local soil, water, and climate makes it difficult to grow this crop anywhere else.
The chilli is usually harvested in February and March, and its bold pods and fewer fruits per plant make it easier to harvest with less labour.
What Is a GI Tag and Why Is It Important?
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is given to products that come from a specific location and have special qualities due to that place. Only people from that region are allowed to use the name. In India, GI tags are given under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, and are managed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The GI tag:
- Protects the product from being copied
- Gives legal rights to local farmers and producers
- Builds trust among buyers and increases market demand
How Will This Help Farmers?
Getting the GI tag will bring many benefits to local farmers:
- Better prices: The price of Chapata Chilli may rise from ₹300 to ₹550 per kg
- More demand: Buyers will prefer GI-tagged products due to authenticity
- Export potential: It can now be marketed internationally as a certified product
- Recognition: Farmers get credit for preserving and growing this special crop
Who Applied for the GI Tag?
The GI tag was applied for by:
- Thimmampet Chilli Farmer Producer Company Ltd.
- Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTGHU)
- Janna Reddy Venkat Reddy Horticultural Research Station, Malyal
The application process was guided by Subhajit Saha, a GI practitioner and founder of Resolute4IP. The tag was officially granted on March 28, 2025.
Global and Industrial Demand
There is high demand for Chapata Chilli from countries like the USA, UK, Germany, China, and across Europe. This demand is especially important now because:
- Synthetic colors are being banned, and natural colors like Chapata’s red pigment are in demand.
- It can be used in cosmetics, food products, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and even textiles.
This opens up new markets for Telangana farmers and offers a chance to increase their income by supplying industries that need natural and safe ingredients. The GI tag for Warangal Chapata Chilli is not just a recognition of its unique qualities but also a step forward for farmer welfare and rural development.
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