Tribals of Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala have struck a deal with German co-operative Ecoland Herbs and Spices to export the organic pepper that they cultivate. The first consignment of the eco-certified organic pepper- under Periyar Pepper brand- will leave the country on April 12.
Balan, a representative of the tribal settlement told FE that the Periyar cultivators stand to gain 30% mark-up over the market price of pepper in the country. Initially, the order is for five tonne only. Samples were tried out last month.
“In the next stage, organic ginger and chillies will be exported,” Padma Mohanty, Thekkady DFO said. The export linkages are the result of a participatory forest management initiative, networking 60 families in Vanchivayal tribal settlement in Periyar Tiger Reserve, in a newly formed co-operative Periyar Foundation EDC.
It is not the first time, however, that Periyar pepper has been exported to Germany. The hotel group CGH Earth had been exporting the organic pepper grown by Periyar tribals. The training for good manufacturing practices were given by CGH Earth.
“The new initiative dispenses of commissions and middlemen and empowers tribals in international trade negotiations,” says Binoy Vishwom, Kerala forest minister. State government had provided backoffice support in facilitating documentation and clearances for export.