On Foundation Day, Odisha receives GI tag for ‘Kandhamal Haldi’

  1. Kandhamal Haldi,a variety of indigenous turmeric grown only in southern Odisha has received Geographical indication (GI) tag from Geographical Indication Registry of India.
  2. Kandhamal Haldi is a member of the Curcuma botanical group, which is a part of the ginger family whose botanical name is Curcuma Longa. It is known for its medicinal values.
  3. The crop is cultivated in Kandhamal,a district in Odisha which is centrally located and whose geographical area is hilly and covered with forest.Further,Kandhamal turmeric is organically produced and is sustainable in adverse climate conditions.
  4. A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.GI tags are given on the basis of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,1999.
  5. GI tag secures the quality and authenticity of a product to a particular geographical origin.It provides legal protection from duplication.The first product to get GI tag was Darjeeling Tea.