Kandhamal Haladi Gets GI Tag #OdishaGI #UtkalaDibasa

April 1st is celebrated as Utkala Dibasa i.e. Odisha Day.

Odisha is a state in the eastern part of India that was formed on April 1, 1936.

Odisha is blessed with rich natural resources and beauty.

Odisha boasts of many unique products like the Kandhamal Haladi i.e. Kandhamal Turmeric.

It is a matter of great pride and joy that on the auspicious occasion of Utkala Dibasa, Kandhamal Haladi has earned India's latest Geographical Indication (GI) tag today.

The GI Application for "Kandhamal Haladi" was made by Kandhamal Apex Spices Association for Marketing (KASAM), an association of turmeric farmers of Kandhamal district of Odisha, India. 

The application was filed on 11th January 2018 by KASAM with the support of the Intellectual Property Rights cell of Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneswar. Dr. Karthigeyan from CTTC, Ministry of MSME has facilitated GI Application No. 610 in respect of Haladi (Turmeric) falling in Class –30. 

Kandhamal Haladi is now the latest entrant in the list of the GIs of India under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

The botanical name of ‘Kandhamal Haladi’ is Curcuma Longa L.

The origin of the name is Curcuma and is derived from the Sanskrit kumkuma, referring to both turmeric and saffron, used in India since ancient times.

Turmeric has been used in Asia for thousands of years and is a major part of medicine systems like - Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and traditional Chinese. Turmeric was first used as a dye, and then later for its medicinal properties. Turmeric is a wonderful spice that has healing properties and is suitable for household, cosmetics and medicinal use. 

Kandhamal Haladi is a famous spice that is found in the Kandhamal District from 19 degree 34’ to 20 degree 36’ m to83 degree 34’ to 84 degree 34’ m altitude. Kandhamal is the centrally located district of Odisha predominantly inhabitated by SC & ST population. About 60% of the geographical area is hilly and with forest cover. This area is blessed with a congenial agro‐climatic condition for cultivation of various spices mainly turmeric, ginger, mustard and tamarind etc. 

Turmeric is the main cash crop of the tribals. Mr. L. S. S. O. Mally (Annual District Gazetteer 1908) indicates the ancientness of the Kandhamal Haladi cultivated by the Tribals.

#BreakingNews on #UtkalaDibasa 👍🏻
Odisha’s #KandhamalHaladi has earned India’s latest #GI tag 🎊
So proud that our Organic Turmeric has got recognition today!
GI application was filed by #CTTC & #KASAM in Jan2018.#OdishaGI #UtkalaDibasa is extra special!#BandeUtkalaJanani pic.twitter.com/f3ta4mjlIK

— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) April 1, 2019

Kandhamal Haladi is unique as it is-

1. Organic- Traditional methods are used for cultivation with no usage of fertilizers or pesticides.

2. Tribal farmers Religious Rites/Culture- Kandhamal Haladi has been grown by tribals and is associated with religious rites and cultural practices. 

3. Cultivated since time immemorial- Indigenous communities have practiced traditional farming techniques from time immemorial. 

4. Livelihood lifeline of more than 60,000 families - 50% of the population of Kandhamal district is involved. The cultivation begins in the summer months of April and May and is harvested in December through to February. The harvest collectively reaps no less than 26,000 tonnes and is worth more than 300 million.

5. Environmental resilient and has sustainability in adverse climatic conditions.

6. Cost effective - less cost of production suitable for marginal farmers.  

Technical aspects of uniqueness-

1. Colour- Golden Yellow- brighter than the other local variety of Odisha that is faded yellow in colour. 

2. Content- Curcumin- 3.2‐ 4.2% ; Oleoresin‐ 12.5 % ; Oil‐ 5‐6% 

3. Taste- Pungent & Unique from other local varieties.

4. Special Medicinal Value

With Kandhamal Haladi being the latest addition, India now has 344 GIs and Odisha now has 15 GI tags.

You can read about the other GIs of Odisha here.

A for- April, Application, Association, Ayurveda, Asia, Aromatic, Addition
I am blogging related to Odisha, India for the #AtoZChallenge this year.