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Phulbani: In a major achievement, the locally grown turmeric in Kandhamal has received the Geographical Indications (GI) tag. Kandhamal Apex Spices Association for Marketing (KASAM), located in Phulbani, had applied for registration of the Kandhamal turmeric last year. The application was accepted under sub-section (1) of Section 13 of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
"The Kandhamal haldi has been accorded with GI tag by the Geographical Indications Registry," said Dr SK Kar, Head of Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) established at Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC) in Bhubaneswar.
The IPFC provided technical guidance, support and facilitation for preparing necessary documentation, technical and scientific investigation, historical data, GI map.
KASAM, a registered society has nearly 18,000 registered members. The district collector Dr D Brinda is the president of the association.
Kandhamal turmeric, which is the prime cash crop harvested by the tribal residents of Kandhamal district, is known for its healing properties and is used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes.
"Kandhamal turmeric is organic by default and is being cultivated by more than 60,000 families. Turmeric cultivation is environmental resilient having low risk, high productivity and the crop is sustainable in adverse climatic conditions," Kar said.
"Samples collected from different locations were tested by reputed laboratories for technical/ scientific investigation. It is noticed that the Kandhamal turmeric contains special medicinal values and having very high potentiality for medicinal use and industrial utility," Kar added.
The colour of kandhamal haldi is golden yellow being well distinguished from other varieties. The grant of GI tag will protect the interest of Kandhamal farmers, he said.
(With PTI inputs)
