Bhubaneswar: Amid the hoopla over the geographical-identification (GI) tag for Jagannath Rasagolla, the state government has sought the tag for Kandhamal Haladi, a special variety of turmeric that is indigenous to the region.
The spice has been named after the district as it is being cultivated in the region for centuries and is also known to have medicinal values.
The supporting documents and test reports required for the application was filed at the GI Registry office, Chennai, on Thursday by the Central Tool Room and Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneswar, under the MSME ministry.
The Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) at the CTTC here provided technical guidance, support and facilitation for preparing necessary documentation, technical and scientific investigation, historical data and GI map of the product by involving a team of experts from the state government, scientists and officials of the Kandhamal Apex Spices Association for Marketing (KASAM).
Head of the IPFC S.K. Kar said: "On reviewing technical investigation reports and historical data on the uniqueness of Kandhamal Haladi and its production methodology, social, traditional and religious connectivity, we found many useful information in its favour."
The laboratory reports were analysed by the team of experts and eminent horticulturists at a meeting held at the CTTC on January 9.
Kandhamal Haladi cultivation is environmentally resilient having low risk and high productivity. The crop is sustainable in adverse climatic conditions.
The GI of goods acts as the "claim to fame" for a state. The GI indication will confer legal protection to the item while preventing its unauthorised use. It will also promote the economic prosperity of the producers of the product while promoting the item on a global platform.
He further said that KASAM has made well-planned business model and modern marketing strategies to promote and create global marketing opportunities for the product.
The application has been accepted after due scrutiny by the GI office.
The first item from Odisha that received the GI tag was the Kotpad handloom fabric, followed by Ikkat and the Konark stone carving. At present, there are around 14 goods from the state in the list with the last addition being the patta chitra textile.
