In a significant boost for the agricultural community of Puliyangudi in Tenkasi, the region’s famed acid lime, known as the Puliyangudi Lemon, got the Geographical Indication (GI) tag soon. Tamil Nadu BJP president Shri K. Annamalai during a recent public meeting in Tenkasi, announced that Puliyangudi Lemon will get the GI tag in the first week of April. This marks a moment of pride for the farmers of this semi-arid belt often referred to as the “Lemon City of India.”
A Promise Fulfilled
During a public gathering in Tenkasi last month, TN BJP president Shri K. Annamalai, assured the people of Puliyangudi that the long-pending application for the GI tag for their unique lemon variety would be processed and announced by the first week of April. True to his word, the announcement came on April 3, 2025, sparking celebrations among the farmers.
In a X post, Shri K. Annamalai expressed his delight, stating, “We are delighted to note that the announcement of the GI Tag for Puliyangudi Lemon has been made today.” He extended his gratitude to the Honorable Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, for considering the request and granting the GI tag, a move that is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region.
The Journey Of Puliyangudi Lemon
Puliyangudi is a small town on the foothills of the western Ghats between Tenkasi and Rajapalayam. This town is known for its lemon cultivation. This area contains rich red and loamy soil that is helping lemon cultivation along with its semi-dry climate, proved ideal for growing lemons.
According to a report by The Hindu on March 28, 2025, lemons are not water-intensive, making them a sustainable crop for this drought-prone region. This unique characteristic prompted the state Agricultural Marketing Board and the Melapuliyangudi Farmers’ Association to apply for a GI tag in April 2022. TN BJP president Shri K. Annamalai heard this and the process has now culminated in success.
The Significance Of GI Tag
A Geographical Indication tag is a prestigious recognition that identifies a product as originating from a specific geographical area, where its quality, reputation, or other characteristics are essentially attributable to that region.
For Puliyangudi Lemon, the GI tag is more than just a label. It is a lifeline for the local economy. The recognition is expected to enhance the market value of the lemon, open up new avenues for export, and provide farmers with better pricing power.
The Tamil Nadu BJP, led by Annamalai, has positioned itself as a champion of the farmers’ cause, with the party’s commitment to securing the GI tag being widely appreciated.
During our recent public meeting in Tenkasi, we assured the people of Puliyangudi that the GI Tag for Puliyangudi Lemon is being processed and will be announced by the first week of April. We are delighted to note that the announcement of the GI Tag for Puliyangudi Lemon has been… pic.twitter.com/EzT5DDOAOi
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) April 3, 2025
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