Antibiotic Kandhamal haldi bagged GI tag

Kandhamal haldi (turmeric) produced by the tribal farmers in Odisha's Kandhamal district on Monday received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The Kandhamal haldi has been accorded with GI tag by the Geographical Indications Registry, said Dr SK Kar Head Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) established at Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC) here.

Kandhmal turmeric, originally grown by tribal people in Kandhamal, is famous for its medicinal properties. In December, 2018, the Kandhamal Apex Spices Association for Marketing (KASAM), based in the district headquarters town of Phulbani, had moved for registration of 'Kandhamal haldi', which was accepted under sub-section (1) of Section 13 of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, Kar said.

The IPFC established at Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneswar 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 Kasam.

Kandhamal haldi is organic by default being cultivated by more than 60,000 families, Kar said. Kandhamal haldi cultivation is environmental resilient having low risk, high productivity and the crop is sustainable in adverse climatic conditions, he 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 the very high potentiality for medicinal use and industrial utility," Kar said. 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 inputs from agencies.)