Bhubaneswar: Three products of Odisha—Sambalpur’s Sarsatia, Dhenkanal’s Pala Brinjal and Manikapatna curd—are now seeking geographical indication (GI) tag.
According to reports, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) has facilitated the filing of applications for GI tag for these products in the past few months. OUAT officials revealed this at a press conference on Sunday, reported TOI.
Dhenkanal’s Pala Baigana or Pala Brinjal is a special variety of brinjal that is grown along the basin of Brahmani river in areas like Kamakhyanagar within the Dhenkanal district. Manikapatna curd, which has its origin in the Puri district, has a cultural connect, including the legend of Kanchi Abhijan.
Sarsatia, a crispy, mildly sweet delicacy with a unique texture, has been a cherished local favourite for generations. Historical records trace the delicacy back to the 16th century. It is prepared using rice flour, sugar, and crucially, resin extracted from the twigs of the ganjer tree (a plant with traditional medicinal properties that grows around Barapahad hills). The resin imparts a distinctive earthy aroma, subtle sweetness, and purported health benefits, setting sarsatia apart from other Indian sweets.
The first examination reports have also been issued by the Geographical Indications Registry for these applications, professor Dayanidhi Mishra told TOI. The university is also pursuing the documentation and application process for GI tag for Keonjhar Pejua biri and Koraput bati mandia.
In January 2024, seven products – Odisha Khajuri Guda, Dhenkanal Magji, Similipal Kai Chutney of Odisha, Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal, Kapadaganda: Dungaria Kondh Embroidery Shawl, Koraput Kalajeera Rice, and Painting of Lanjia Saura (Idital)- had earned the GI tag, followed by Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi (silver filigree) in March that year, taking the existing Odisha GI list to 26.
Effort are also underway to earn a GI tag for the state’s iconic baked cottage cheese dessert, Chhenapoda.