Chili peppers and purple garlic grown in Dongxing district of Neijiang city were recently awarded national geographic indication status, a first for the area, a move expected to enhance the reputation of local products and boost the local economy, according to city officials.

The distinctive peppers were widely planted in 1960s. The district now has about 3,300 hectares under cultivation and sells 30,000 tons of the produce annually.

The area's nationally famed purple garlic is planted across 2,000 hectares.

(Source: China Daily)