Tandur Red Gram

Telangana's Premier GI-Tagged Pulse

Tandur Red Gram is a distinguished variety of pigeon pea (commonly known as Tur or Arhar dal) cultivated in the Tandur region of the Vikarabad district in Telangana, India. Renowned for its superior quality, it has earned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a testament to its unique characteristics derived from its place of origin. This pulse is a vital source of protein and a key agricultural commodity for the region.

What is Red Gram (Pigeon Pea)

Red Gram, scientifically known as Cajanus cajan, is a perennial legume belonging to the Fabaceae family. A staple food grain in many parts of the world, it is widely consumed in South Asia under names like Arhar, Tur, or Pigeon Pea. Introduced to India over 3,500 years ago, it has since spread throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America, forming a crucial part of the diet for millions.

The Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

In a significant milestone, Tandur Red Gram was granted the Geographical Indication tag in December 2022. The GI registration was awarded to the Yalal Farmers Producers Company Ltd., which filed the application with the support of Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU). This recognition marks Tandur Red Gram as the first agricultural commodity in Telangana to receive a GI tag.

The GI tag acts as a certification of authenticity and quality, assuring consumers that the product possesses specific qualities due to its geographical origin. To leverage this, individual farmers and dal mill owners in Tandur must register as authorized users and brand their produce with the GI tag to secure better market prices.

History and Significance

The pigeon pea has a long history in India, dating back at least 3,500 years. Its cultivation in the specific terroir of Tandur has led to the development of this unique variety. The GI tag is the culmination of efforts to protect and promote this local heritage, benefiting approximately 63,500 householdscurrently engaged in its farming.

Special Characteristics of Tandur Red Gram

The unique quality of Tandur Red Gram is attributed to the region's distinct soil composition. It is grown in fertile deep black soil rich in Attapulgite clay mineral and huge limestone deposits. This unique environment imparts three key specialties:
Tastes Better: It has a superior and distinct flavor.
Cooks Faster: It requires less cooking time compared to other varieties.
Longer Shelf Life: The cooked dal has a significantly longer shelf life.

Nutritional Importance

Red gram is a nutritional powerhouse, especially in protein-deficient regions. Its importance includes:
High Protein Content: Tandur Red Gram contains about 22–24% protein, which is nearly three times the protein content found in cereals.
Dietary Staple: It is a fundamental source of protein for a large section of India's vegetarian population.
Complementary Nutrition: When consumed with rice or wheat, it significantly increases the meal's biological value due to the complementary nature of essential amino acids.
Rich in Micronutrients: It is a good source of Lysine, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Niacin, and Iron.

Production and Markets

In Telangana:
Major Growing Districts: Vikarabad (largest with 57,660 ha), Sangareddy, Narayanpet, Adilabad, Asifabad, Mahabubnagar, and Rangareddy.
Production (2022-23): 2.06 lakh tonnes from an area of 2.28 lakh hectares.
Productivity: 903 Kg per hectare.

Major Markets in Telangana:
Tandur, Badepalli, Devarakadra, Gadwal, Mahabubnagar, Narayanpet, Sadasivpet, Zaheerabad, Suryapet, and Warangal.
Markets in Neighboring States
Andhra Pradesh: Kadiri, Narsaraopet, Tiruvuru, Kurnool, Yeminiganur, Ongole.
Karnataka: Gulbarga, Sedam, Yadgiri, Bidar, Bijapur, Bellary, Bagalkote.
Maharashtra: Akola, Latur, Jalgaon, Nagpur.

India is the world's largest producer of red gram, with a production of 42.80 lakh tonnes. Other major producing countries include Malawi (4.24 lakh tonnes), Myanmar (3.39 lakh tonnes), Tanzania (1.36 lakh tonnes), and Haiti (1.23 lakh tonnes).

Source: Adapted from Krishijagran.com