The Horticulture Department promotes the export of Mulanur Kuttaimurungai drumsticks, known for drought resistance, as Tamil Nadu seeks a GI tag to boost global demand.

Kuttaimurungai Drumsticks

The Horticulture Department has intensified its efforts to promote the Mulanur Kuttaimurungai variety of drumsticks native to the Mulanur block in the Tiruppur district.

The initiative aims to encourage local farmers to tap into the export potential of this unique drumstick variety, known for its drought resistance and heat tolerance.

The Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board took a significant step last year by applying a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the Mulanur Kuttaimurungai.

The distinct characteristics of this variety are attributed to the region’s calcium-rich soil, which contributes to its resilience and unique flavor profile.

Predominantly cultivated in Mulanur, this variety is also grown in neighboring areas such as Dharapuram and Aravakurichi in the Karur district.

One of the key advantages of the Mulanur Kuttaimurungai is its short size, which eliminates the need for cutting during packaging. This feature makes it particularly attractive for export markets.

India has a strong track record of exporting organically certified moringa powder to the United States and other international markets, facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

With growing global demand for moringa-based products such as leaf powder and oil, farmers in the region are showing keen interest in expanding moringa processing efforts through APEDA’s support.

In addition to the Mulanur Kuttaimurungai, other popular moringa varieties grown in the Mulanur-Dharapuram belt include Karumbu Murungai and Chedi Murungai. Both are recognized for their unique properties and relatively short lifespans.

As part of the state’s broader ‘Moringa Mission,’ the Horticulture Department actively supports farmers by organizing exposure tours and connecting them with relevant schemes for value addition.

This initiative aims to enhance the farmers’ knowledge and provide them with the tools necessary to increase their productivity and profitability in the growing global moringa market.

With the Mulanur Kuttaimurungai poised for greater recognition and demand, the Horticulture Department’s efforts are set to benefit the local farming community significantly, boosting the region’s economy and agricultural heritage.