The Odisha Government is planning to apply for Geographical Indication (GI) tag status for ‘Kandhamal Haladi’ (turmeric).
Sources said primary data collection has been completed and an application would be made at GI Registry office in January next year.
On receiving GI status to the Kandhamal Haladi, the trade value of this variety of turmeric is expected to increase.
The Kandhamal Haladi is popular for its herbal and medicinal values. The Government has started initiatives to make it famous globally.
The Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC) has completed collecting primary data to apply for GI tag for this turmeric.
There are over 1,200 turmeric farmers in Kandhamal district. The documents required for GI tag would be prepared soon, said CTTC Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) chief Sachikant Kar.
Emphasis would be laid on test, quality and geographical mapping of the Kandhamal turmeric. CTTC officials along with officials of Kasam, a farmers’ group headed by the Kandhamal Collector, would make field visits. The application would be made for GI tag after collecting necessary information. later, GI officials would visit Kandhamal for assessment and decide granting GI status to the Kandhamal Haladi, Kar said.
After getting GI status, the market value of the Kandhamal turmeric and import to other States would be increased, he added.