Odisha govt wakes up to GI tag for Kandhamal turmeric

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government is planning to apply for geographical indication (GI) tag status for ‘Kandhamal Haladi’ (turmeric).

Sources said that primary data collection has been completed and application will be made at GI office in January next year.

With receiving GI status to Kandhamal Haladi, the trade value of turmeric is expected to increase in the state.

Kandhamal Haladi is popular among the state for its herbal and medicinal values. The government has started initiatives in order to make it famous globally.

The Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC) has completed collecting primary data to apply for the GI tag for turmeric.

There are 1,200 turmeric farmers in Kandhamal district. The documents required for the GI tag will be prepared soon, said CTTC’s Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) chief Sachikant Kar.

The emphasis will be laid on the test, quality and geographical mapping of Kandhamal turmeric. The CTTC officials along with officials of ‘Kasam’ – a farmers’ group headed by Kandhamal collector – will make field visit. The application will be made for GI tag after collecting necessary information. Later, the GI officials will visit Kandhamal for assessment and decide for granting GI status to Kandhamal Haladi, Kar said.

After getting GI status, the market value of Kandhamal turmeric and import to other states will be increased, he added.