The Hindu : Front Page : GI tag sanctioned for Mysore Mallige

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Thursday, Sep 27, 2007
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GI tag sanctioned for Mysore Mallige

Sharath S. Srivatsa

It will provide exclusive cultivation rights for 10 years

Mysore Mallige is known for its lingering fragrance
Udupi Mallige, Hadagali Mallige too granted GI tag

Bangalore: A rose by any other name may smell just as sweet. But the Bard’s axiom sure does not apply to the “Mysore Mallige”. This variety of jasmine not only has unmatched fragrance, but also an inextricable link with the royal city of Mysore. The bond between city and the flower has now grown stronger with Mysore Mallige getting the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which will provide exclusive rights to the local community to cultivate the crop for 10 years.

Two other varieties of jasmines endemic to Karnataka – Hadagali Mallige and Udupi Mallige – have been granted this privileged tag by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, which acts as the Registrar of GI after the Department of Horticulture approached it.

Royal patronage

Patronised by the Wadiyars of Mysore, the Mysore Mallige gets its name since it is grown mostly around Mysore and partly in Srirangapatna taluk in Mandya district. The uniqueness of this jasmine variety is its lingering fragrance. The flowers are used for garlands, especially at weddings and other auspicious occasions. Among the places where Mysore Mallige is grown are Rajaji Nagara, Hole Kesaruru, Matti and K.R. Mill area.

Hadagali Mallige, locally known as “Vasane Mallige”, is grown mainly in Hoovina Hadagali and surrounding areas in Bellary district.

In fact, Hoovina Hadagali (the village of flower boats) gets its name from the extensive cultivation of flowers, especially of this variety, which is believed to have started in the 15th century during the reign of the Vijayanagar emperors. The volatile oil (essential oil) content is comparatively lower in this variety, which is used for decorations. Nearly 100 quintals of flowers are transported from Hoovina Hadagli to places such as Hubli, Shimoga and Laksmeshwara every day.

The dry sandy soil prevailing in the region around Hadagali taluk is responsible for the particular aroma of this flower, while the dry climate (low/sparse rainfall) adds to the favourable environment for the crop.

Some of the villages that grow Hadagali Mallige are Huvina Hadagali, Hire Hadagali, Hanakana Halli, Devagondana Halli, Meerakorna Halli, Huguluru, Sogi, Mudenuru, Kaganuru, Hombali, Honna Nayaka Halli, Pura, Navali, Tippapura, Halu Timla Pura, Koylargatti, Holagundi, Bavi Halli, Hagarnuru, Holalu, Gujanur, Basapura, Nandi Halli and Kantipura.

The cultivation of Udupi Mallige is of relatively recent origin. Cultivation of this variety of jasmine started in Shankarapura in Udupi district about 100 years ago. The flower is in high demand in places such as Mumbai, besides the coastal region. It has an export potential as it is in demand in West Asia.

These flowers have a long shelf life and can stay fresh for about three to four days in the bud condition.

The laterite soil of the region and heavy rainfall provide the perfect environment for the crop. Besides Shankarapura, it is cultivated in surrounding villages such as Belmannu, Modumbe, Panjimar Undoor and Ennaje. At present, the cultivation has also spread to Katpadi in the Udupi district and Belthangadi in the Dakshina Kannada district.

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