Pollachi’s tall coconut, locally known as Pollachi Nettai Thenai, is a highly sought after coconut that enjoys great demand during the summer months. To preserve its authenticity and protect the interests of local farmers, the producer has formally applied for a Geographic Instruction (GI) tag.
The application was filed by Coimbatore Coconut Production Co., Ltd. in conjunction with Vinayaga Coconut Farmer Production Co., Ltd., Anaimalai Coconut Production Co., Ltd. and Pollachi Poorna Poorna Production Company Limited. Department of Agricultural Economics, Centre for Research on Agriculture and Rural Development (Card), Coconut Research Station and Coconut Research Station in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore and Pollachi Aliyar Nagar.
Intellectual Property Attorney P. Sanjai Gandhi helped Tamil Nadu get the GI-labeled product: “Pollachi-tall coconut is known for its larger nut size, tender coconut, thick shell, thick shell and high quality Copra quantity, and the high water level of its oil.” Pollachi-tall coconut trees grow to 50 to 60 feet (15-18 m).
Mohanraj Shanmugham, chairman of Anaimalai Coconut Production Co., Ltd., told Hindus that in Tamil Nadu, Pollachi is the top producer of coconuts. “Even in northern India, people often ask for Pollachi coconuts in particular. The coconuts here are sent to the Middle East and Singapore,” he said. “Our FPO supports more than 590 farmers, each of which usually owns 10 acres. On average, there are 70 trees per acre.”
Coimbatore coconut producer Ra Sakthivel said obtaining a gastrointestinal label will raise awareness among farmers. There are more than 2,056 farmers under his organization. “Getting GI tags will also benefit from the value-added products generated in coconut,” said Vinayaga Coconut Farmer Company Company Limited.
The main growing areas of Pollachi high coconut include Anaimalai, Pollachi North and Pollachi South Blocks. These blocks are irrigated by Aliyar Dam. The Aliyar project was built primarily for irrigation purposes to support agriculture in the Coimbatore region. It was built in 1959 as part of the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP), which helped regulate water distribution through the canal and reservoir networks. The project greatly improves irrigation facilities, allowing farmers to grow crops more efficiently.
After the completion of the Aliyar project, coconut cultivation in the Pollachi and Anaimalai regions increased significantly. The dam’s guaranteed water supply allows farmers to expand coconut plantations and transform these areas into major coconut farming hubs.
publishing – May 1, 2025-12:36 AM IST
