Turmeric

‘Kandhamal Haldi’, a variety of turmeric indigenous to southern Odisha, has earned the Geographical indication (GI) tag from Intellectual Property India, an organisation functioning under the auspices of the Union ministry of commerce & industry.

The recognition coincided with the state’s Foundation Day (Utkal Divas). Odisha, on April 1 1936, was carved out as a separate state in the then British India on a linguistic identity.

Kandhamal in Odisha’s southern hinterland is famed for its turmeric, a spice that enjoys its pride of place in an array of cuisines. The agricultural product also stands out for its healing properties and arresting aroma.

The GI tag was primarily developed with the purpose of recognising the unique identity connecting different products and places. For a product to get GI tag, it has to have a unique quality, reputation or characteristic which is attributable to its geographic origin. ‘Kandhamal Haldi’ has been placed under Class-30 type

“We are delighted to have the GI tag of Kandhamal haldi with the guidance of CTTC on Utkal Diwas. This news has inculcated a feeling of self-confidence within us to aim big and to set a benchmark for the product of our land in the international market. Kandhamal Haldi (turmeric) has more oleo resin and volatile oil contents compared to other turmeric varieties. It gives strong aroma and has a high medicinal value”.