Odisha’s famed Pahala Rasagolla is expected to soon become a brand and have a trademark and a business logo to differentiate it from other rasagolla in the market.As per information from the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Department, the State Government is trying to market the product of this brand worldwide through Geographical Indication (GI) to ensure a higher sales revenue for the rasagolla makers, a wider reach among the authentic rasagolla lovers and enhance the quality of the product.
The Government will open a general facility for the local rasagolla makers of Pahala shortly for a preliminary survey to study the feasibility, following which a decision will be taken.If approved, the Government will also mentor the rasagolla makers on better packaging, hygiene and quality testing of the product. Special tin containers will be made available to preserve and ship the product out of the State. Besides, it will appoint an advisor to guide the rasagolla makers on packaging and quality aspects and will offer the entrepreneurial opportunities to the makers.
The Government will also play its role in promoting and protecting the brand, ensure that no other maker violates the trademark and brand logo and sells under its name illegally.It may be noted that there are about 120 rasagolla stalls at Pahal on the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack highway preparing and selling the traditional Odia syrupy dessert for generations.Even though their reputation is widespread in Odisha, geographical limitation and lack of modern preservation techniques have not enabled them to cater to the demands of targeted customers in markets outside the State.