Kandhamal haldi gets GI tag

Kandhamal haldi (turmeric) produced by the tribal farmers in Odisha's Kandhamal district on Monday received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Bhubaneswar :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 Good (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 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.

What is a geographical indication (GI)?

A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Since the qualities depend on the geographical place of production, there is a clear link between the product and its original place of production.

Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products. Geographical indications are generally protected for renewable ten-year periods.

Who can use a protected geographical indication?

The right to use a protected geographical indication belongs to producers in the geographical area defined, who comply with the specific conditions of production for the product.

How GI tag will help Haldi farmers?

The recognition and protection that comes with GI certification will allow the Haldi producers of India to invest in maintaining the specific qualities of the Haldigrown in that particular region. It will also enhance the visibility of Kandhamal haldiin the world and allow growers to get maximum price for their premium Haldi.