From Field to Pharmacy: GI-Tagged Onattukara Sesame Set for Tablet Form Innovation

📚 A UPSC Current Affairs Blog | GS III – Agriculture, Science & Tech | July 2025

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🧭 Context

The Onattukara Vikasana Agency (OVA) — owner of the GI-tagged Onattukara sesame — has announced its plan to develop nutritional tablets using sesame seeds native to the Onattukara region of Kerala. Backed by Ayurvedic heritage and modern research, this initiative could be a game-changer in value-added agriculture and rural health innovation.

The Jubilee Centre for Medical Research has been entrusted with the scientific evaluation of toxicity levels and dosage safety, following standard preclinical testing protocols.

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🏷️ What is Onattukara Sesame?

• 🏷️ GI-tagged in 2023

• 🧪 Grown in the sandy soils of Alappuzha, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta districts

• 🌿 Traditionally used in Ayurveda since the 18th century

• 🍶 High in vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids like:

  • Oleic acid

  • Linoleic acid

  • Palmitoleic acid

🔬 Kerala Agricultural University has already confirmed its superior medicinal and nutritional value compared to other sesame varieties.

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🧪 Research and Innovation

Stage	Details
Lab Phase	Testing on human body cells to assess toxicity and absorption
Animal Phase	Conducting 3-phase trials on rats
Tablet Production	If safe, sesame will be processed into nutritional supplements

Dr. Dileep Vijayan of the Jubilee Centre is leading the study. The OVA is fully funding this research, indicating a public-private model of grassroots innovation.

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🌾 Cultivation & Expansion

• Currently cultivated on 600 hectares in 43 local bodies

• Target expansion to 2,000 hectares

• Major varieties:

  • Ayali (traditional)

  • Improved: Kayamkulam-1, Thilak, Thilathara, Thilarani
    (Developed by Onattukara Regional Agricultural Research Station)

🌱 This aligns with India's mission to increase agri-product value chains and double farmers’ income.

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📦 Why It Matters

🔹 For Farmers:

• Potential for higher income through value addition

• Creation of local processing industries

• Encourages organic and traditional farming revival

🔹 For Health:

• Supports Ayurveda + modern nutrition

• Rich in antioxidants, useful in cholesterol regulation, cell repair, and anti-inflammatory effects

🔹 For Economy:

• Encourages rural entrepreneurship

• Promotes GI-tag export products

• Boosts brand Kerala as a hub of herbal health supplements

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🌍 Broader UPSC Themes

Topic	Relevance
GI Tags & Rural Economy	Promotes traditional products through legal protection
Biotechnology in Agriculture	Nutraceuticals from farm produce
AYUSH & Preventive Health	Ayurveda-based innovation backed by lab trials
Doubling Farmer Income	Through diversification and high-value products

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📚 UPSC Prelims Snippet

🧾 What is a Geographical Indication (GI)?
A GI tag is a form of intellectual property right under the WTO’s TRIPS agreement, given to products with a specific geographical origin and qualities/reputation linked to that origin.

📌 GI Tags from Kerala:

• Aranmula Kannadi

• Alleppey Coir

• Palakkadan Matta Rice

• Onattukara Sesame (since 2023)

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📝 Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the role of geographical indication (GI) tags in promoting rural entrepreneurship and agricultural innovation in India. Use examples to support your answer.
(250 words)

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✅ Way Forward

1. Robust Testing & Approval

   • Ensure transparent, peer-reviewed trials

   • Follow Ayush and FSSAI norms for tablet production

2. Brand Building

   • Market Onattukara sesame tablets as an Ayurvedic-nutraceutical hybrid

   • Collaborate with e-commerce platforms and Khadi outlets

3. Farmer Training & Support

   • Provide guidance on organic practices

   • Establish processing units at the local level

4. Export Potential

   • Tap into global demand for natural health supplements

   • Use GI tag for international marketing protection

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✍️ Conclusion

The transformation of GI-tagged Onattukara sesame into tablets symbolizes India’s fusion of traditional wisdom and scientific research. This initiative shows how even a humble seed can drive nutritional security, rural income, and global branding—a perfect example of "Vocal for Local" in action.