Tamil Nadu's Kumbakonam Vetrilai (Betel Leaf) and Thovalai Maanikka Maalai (Flower Garland) have been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tag by Geographical Indication (GI) Registry of India. These additions further strengthen Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage of unique, region-specific products.

• The application for the Kumbakonam betel leaf was filed by the Vettrilai Urpathiyalargal Nalasangam, facilitated by the Tamil Nadu Agriculture and Rural Development Research Centre, Coimbatore.
• The application for the Thovalai Maanikka Maalai was submitted by the Thovalai Maanikkamaalai Kaivinai Kalaingargal Nalasangam, with support from the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation and the Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre – Chennai (MSME-Technology Development Centre, Chennai).
• Both products were enlisted in the GI registry in November 2024 and officially received the GI tag after four months.
• Tamil Nadu now has 62 GI-tagged products, including 11 from Thanjavur district alone.