Odisha’s unique 'Pala Baigana' seeks GI tag for its centuries-old legacy

Farmers along the banks of the Brahmani river in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district have been cultivating the unique 'Pala Baigana', a unique kind of brinjal, for generations. Locals claim the variety has a history that spans hundreds of years. Much like Nayagarh’s Kanteimundi brinjal, there is now a growing demand to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for this distinctive crop.

Brinjal is a common vegetable across households, whether rich or poor, but the Paala brinjal stands out for its taste and heritage. Originating from Dhenkanal, it is predominantly grown along the Brahmani river near the Dhenkanal-Kamakhya road, particularly in villages like Kamagara and Kanapala. Farmers in these areas have been cultivating this crop for centuries.

Natabar Mallik, a Pala brinjal farmer, said, “We have been cultivating this brinjal for generations. Its quality is excellent, and it’s unique; it is not found in any other state or even other districts of Odisha. Each brinjal weighs between 500 and 700 grams. It is supplied to different regions from the Dhenkanal market. People seek it out and really enjoy eating it.”

Adaita Mallik, another farmer, shared, “Just two Paala brinjals can weigh up to a kilogram. Around 25 to 30 of us are engaged in cultivating this variety. It has a sweet flavour and tastes really good.”

Interestingly, individual brinjals can weigh anywhere between 100 grams and one kilogram, fetching up to Rs 70 per kilogram in the local market.

Amidst growing concerns over the extinction of traditional seeds, the farmers continue to preserve and cultivate Pala brinjal using age-old methods. The seeds are first sown in seedbeds and later transplanted. The crop is nurtured with organic fertilisers and manure. Its harvesting season typically extends from Diwali to the month of Chaitra.

Sisir Satpathy, a local intellectual, said, “This variety is grown in just three to four villages near Kamagara. People here have been farming it for nearly 500 years. It is native to this area and cannot be cultivated elsewhere. Just like Nayagarh’s Kanteimundi brinjal received the GI tag for its uniqueness, this one is no less. The administration should pursue GI recognition for it.”

A local agricultural scientist confirmed that the farmers’ producer group is in the process of applying to the GI Registry Authority to formalise the recognition.

Bimalendu Mohanty, Scientist at Dhenkanal Krishi Vigyan Kendra, explained, “Paala brinjal is cultivated in sandy soil and has been grown here for centuries. The geographical and environmental conditions are key to its growth. Attempts to cultivate it elsewhere have failed; either the brinjal turned out too hard or didn’t grow properly. It has an excellent taste and is widely used in various Odia dishes.”