After receiving Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Odisha Rasagola and Kandhamal Haladi, the State Governments has initiated efforts to earn the recognition for two more items like Chhena Poda and filigree.
The Odisha Small Industries Corporation Limited (OSIC) has begun the process for getting GI tag for the sweet dessert and craft work by discussing with members of Utkal Mistanna Byabasayee Sangh, Mahaveer South Indian of Nayagarh and Jewelers’ Association of Cuttack.
Worth mentioning, Nayagarh and Cuttack are famous for sweet dessert, Chhena Poda, and silver filigree work respectively. Chhena Poda is a delicious cheese dessert made of well-kneaded homemade fresh cottage cheese (Chhena). Similarly, filigree work is one of the most enchanting forms created by craftsmen since ages. Hundreds of households depend on the 500-year-old handicraft for livelihood in silver city, Cuttack.
Sources said that the initiative has been taken to promote State ‘s own products and handicrafts on the global stage.
The move came after Cuttack MLA Mohammed Moquim had raised a question on Government ‘s initiative to get GI tag for filigree work.
According to reports, the OSIC has held a discussion with Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation of India (MMTC) in this regard following which the authorities have begun collecting the necessary documents.
Sources said that the MMTC authorities have given consent to provide quality raw materials for filigree work.m Meanwhile, steps have already been taken by the authorities for expediting process to have its claim over another dessert Chhena Jhili of Nimapara.