Odisha’s ‘Kandhamal Haldi’ Gets GI Tag

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Kandhamal Haldi (turmeric) got the Geographical Indication (GI) tag on Monday.

This turmeric, originally grown by tribal people in Kandhamal, is famous for its medicinal properties. In December, 2018, the Kandhamal Apex Spices Association for Marketing, 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.

Apart from Kandhamal Haldi, as many as 15 Odisha products have already got GI tags.

Notably, GI tag is the name or sign used on certain products, which correspond to specific geographical location or origin. It is used for agricultural, natural and manufactured goods having special quality and established reputation.

Chief Minister Naveen tweeted that he was delighted at the “historic” news. “…With a majority of tribal populace, #Kandhamal district is set to scale new heights in value addition of turmeric & other agri-products,” he tweeted.