Process initiated for GI tag to Bhiwapuri Mirchi

11-06-14

* ATMA has taken help of farmers to bring 200 acres of farm land in Bhiwapur tehsil under ‘Bhiwapuri Mirchi’ to strengthen the case for GI tag

By Kartik Lokhande
Many shop-owners or manufacturers of spices use the name ‘Bhiwapuri Mirchi’ to advertise their product -- packaged chilli powder. However, ‘Bhiwapuri Mirchi’ itself is going to become a brand soon as the process of getting a Geographical Indications (GI) tag for the unique chilli variety has been initiated.

Bhiwapur, Umred, and Kuhi tehsils in Nagpur district are famous for dry red chilli production. The chilli has unique characteristics like colour, shape, pungency, and cover. The skin of Bhiwapuri Chilli has shelf-life of one-and-a-half year to two years. Being pungent in nature, less amount of powder of Bhiwapuri Chilli is used in edible items compared to other varieties. It is popular in households across Vidarbha region as well as in other parts of Maharashtra and the country.
With an intention to select the quality seeds of ‘Bhiwapuri Mirchi’ and encourage its cultivation in Bhiwapur tehsil, Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Nagpur decided to go for GI tag for the unique chilli variety. “We have formed a group of farmers who cultivate Bhiwapuri Chilli. Last year, we had taken the crop on 50 acres in Bhiwapur tehsil and this time we are opting for the crop on 200 acres. Next year, we will increase the area to 500 acres,” Dr Nalini Bhoyar, Project Director of Nagpur ATMA, told ‘The Hitavada’.
According to Dr Bhoyar, once Bhiwapuri Chilli gets GI tag, companies or trade firms will have to obtain permission/necessary approval from Bhiwapur Mirchi Utpadak Samuha Gat before using the expression ‘Bhiwapuri Mirchi’ in their advertisements or chilli powder or spices etc. The plan is to provide grinders to women’s self-help groups through District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), to make powder of Bhiwapuri Chilli and package the same. Agriculture Department will help the groups in marketing the product.
Bhiwapur Mirchi Utpadak Samuha Gat has made a representation to Geographical Indications Registry through service provider Prof Ganesh S Hingmire. The farmers’ group that has applied for GI tag is based in Chikhlapar in Bhiwapur tehsil of Nagpur district. Recently, Nagpur Orange also got GI tag.
In the representation, the farmers specified the qualities of ‘Bhiwapuri Mirchi’. As per their representation, the chilli is known for its pungency, dark red colour, thick outer covering that reduces chances of breakage and ensures long shelf-life. The length is approximately 1.5 inch. The red colour is darker than other chilli varieties like Guntur Chilli. The powder of Bhiwapuri Chilli gives red colour to food items without any side effects like acidity. This particular variety requires only one irrigation and less crop protection measures.
For many years, this variety of chilli is cultivated traditionally in Bhiwapur, Kuhi, and Umred tehsils. The total period of cultivation is eight to nine months, and the production is 10-15 quintals per acre. Previously, it was grown at various places in the above-mentioned tehsils. However, because of longer cultivation and processing period, farmers shifted to other varieties of chillies and other crops like Soyabean. ‘Bhiwapuri Mirchi’ is traded to Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata. It is in high demand in overseas market. Government of Maharashtra has taken initiative through its agencies to enhance export of Bhiwapuri Chilli.

Did you know these things about ‘Bhiwapuri Mirchi’?

In the representation made to Geographical Indications Registry, the Bhiwapur Mirchi Utpadak Samuha Gat has mentioned several qualities of the popular chilli variety which many of the regular consumers also might not be aware of.

As per the representation, Bhiwapuri Chilli has medicinal value as it reduces arthritis pain, zoster-related pain, and can be used for neuropathy, reduces headache, stimulates digestive system and burns calories. Vitamin A present in the chilli reduces inflammation of lungs nad Emphysema caused due to cigarette smoking. Vitamin C and Vitamin A containing beta-carotenoids are powerful anti-oxidants present in this chilli variety.

Colour (Oleoresin) is one of the valuable attributes of Bhiwapuri Chilli as it is used in food and cosmetic industries. Oleoresin (red colour) is used in manufacturing of lipsticks, nail polish and other cosmetics. As far as food industry is concerned, Bhiwapuri Chilli is main ingredient in popular ‘Varhadi Thecha’ (spicy red chilli chutney) and liberally used in Saoji dishes.