Salem Sago

Category: Indian Economy | Agriculture | Geographical Indications

UPSC Notes

Salem Sago, also known as Salem Javvarisi, is a food product made from starch extracted from tapioca roots. It is associated with Salem district in Tamil Nadu, a major centre of India's sago-processing industry.

The product received a Geographical Indication (GI) registration in 2023, recognising its regional identity.

Key Pointers

  • State: Tamil Nadu.

  • Raw material: Tapioca, also known as cassava.

  • Product: Starch-based sago pearls.

  • GI registration: 2023.

  • Applicant: Salem Starch and Sago Manufacturers' Service Industrial Cooperative Society Limited.

  • Economic importance: Supports tapioca growers, processors, traders and associated rural employment.

  • GI significance: Protects the product's geographical identity and helps prevent misleading use of the registered name.

  • Industrial connection: Food processing and agro-based small enterprises.

UPSC focus: GI tags, agricultural value chains, rural industrialisation and intellectual property rights.