Medicinal Kandhamal Haladi #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

'Kandhamal Haladi' is a variety of turmeric indigenous to southern Odisha, India. It earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag last year.

The recognition came on April 1st, 2019, on Odisha state's Foundation Day that is celebrated as Utkala Dibasa. On April 1 1936, Odisha was the first state of India that was formed on the basis of linguistic identity in the then British India.

Odisha is blessed with great natural beauty, natural wealth and congenial agro‐climatic conditions. Kandhamal is one of the districts of Odisha. It is famed for its aromatic turmeric that is called Kandhamal Haladi. Turmeric is called "Haladi" in Odia language and "Haldi" in Hindi. This agricultural product has great medicinal value, healing properties and salubrious aroma.

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. Haladi is grown from 19 degree 34’ to 20 degree 36’ m to 83 degree 34’ to 84 degree 34’ m altitude. 

Haladi 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.

Kandhamal Apex Spices Association for Marketing (KASAM) had submitted the GI application. KASAM is a registered society of Odisha that works with spice farmers, procures their produce, supports processing, value addition, and marketing. 

Intellectual Property Rights cell of Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneswar. Dr. Karthigeyan from CTTC, Ministry of MSME had facilitated GI Application No. 610 in respect of Haladi (Turmeric) falling in Class –30. 

A product can earn the GI tag if it has unique quality, reputation or characteristics attributable to its geographic origin. 'Kandhamal Haldi', under Class-30, has more oleo resin and volatile oil content. Its aromatic and medicinal value has been prized for centuries.

Turmeric has been used in Asia for thousands of years and is a major part of medicine systems. Haladi was first used as a dye, and then later for its medicinal properties. 

#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

Aromatic Kandhamal Haladi Uniqueness: 

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 with the cultivation of Haladi.

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

6. Cost effective - less cost of production suitable for marginal farmers.  
7. Colour- Bright Golden Yellow colour is brighter than the other local varieties of Haladi grown in Odisha. 

8. Content- The Curcumin content ranges from- 3.2‐ 4.2% , Oleoresin‐ 12.5 % & Oil‐ 5‐6% 

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

10. Special Medicinal Value

Kandhamal Haldi and its vital compound curcumin has many scientifically-proven health benefits. Apart from being a flavorsome and nutritious spice, Kandhamal Haladi has also traditionally been used during marriages and other auspicious occasions. In Odia households, Kandhamal Haladi is used as a foodstuff, cosmetic, and medicine. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, Kandhamal Haladi is an effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions. 

During this Covid-19 pandemic time, it makes sense to take care of our diets and follow guidelines and precautions. As per traditional knowledge, using Haladi can boost our immunity.
Mass-production, proper packaging, and marketing can ensure that this prized spice of Odisha reaches worldwide. This wonder spice must be available in every nook and corner of India and abroad.

M For- Medicinal

Medicinal Kandhamal Haladi
Also, M for- MSME (Micro, Small & medium Enterprises), Manpower, Mass-production, Marketing

I am writing A-Z posts about the Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha #OdishaGI.

GI is a distinctive certificate used to identify a product as originating from a particular region or locality that has specific qualities, reputation or other unique characteristics. GI products are linked with the culture, traditions, history etc. of a geographical location. 

Only when info is shared, people can learn and be aware.

This is my sincere attempt to share information about the GI-Tags of Odisha.

You can check out my other GI posts here.

My previous #AToZChallenge posts here.

Let us all use GI products - the "invaluable treasures of incredible India", and encourage our artisans, weavers, and farmers.

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