Sholavandan Vetrilai is an important traditional crop variety of Betel leaf cultivated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
[5] An inscription at the Jeynagar Narayana Perumal temple in Sholavandan, built by Kulasekara Pandian in the 5th century AD, reveals that betel farmers were instructed to donate their income to the temple, promising a threefold return from the Pandya king of Madurai.
[1] Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board from Guindy and Vetri Kodikaal Vivasayigal Sangam from Nagarisalai, proposed the GI registration of 'Sholavandan Vetrilai'.
[7] After filing the application in October 2021, the Betel leaf was granted the GI tag in 2023 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Sholavandan Vetrilai" exclusive to the Betel leaf cultivated in the region.
[8] The prestigious GI tag, awarded by the GI registry, certifies that a product possesses distinct qualities, adheres to traditional production methods, and has earned a reputation rooted in its geographical origin.