Amidst the Geographical Indication (GI) tag war against West Bengal over Rasagola, Odisha is planning to get GI status for its local natural sweetener Tala Gur (palm jaggery).
According to sources, a number of meetings have been held in this regard between the Odisha State Palmgur Cooperative Federation (OSPCF) and the Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC) here.
There are four palm jaggery selling points in the State at Khandagiri, Unit-II in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Salepur. Besides, the product is also sold at various exhibitions being organised in the State.
The authorities would take initiative to provide training to the farmers for proper method to make palm jaggery, a senior OSPCF official said.
Usually, the palm jaggery is made using firewood between the months December and March. Making a change in the manufacturing process, the farmers would be trained to produce palm jaggery without firewood.
By following the method, the production capacity is likely to be increased, he said. Notably, the origin of palm jaggery in Odisha is beloved to be very ancient.
Even, Mahatma Gandhi had laid focus on promotion of palm jaggery during his visit to the State. Although West Bengal is also a leading producer of palm jaggery, its making process in Odisha differs from the neighbouring State.