Seven products originating from Odisha, including the Kalajeera rice from Koraput, khajuri guda date palm jaggery from Gajapati district, and the Kai Chutney made with red weaver ants in Mayurbhanj district, have been granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The list of previously awarded products from Odisha also encompasses Nayagarh's Kanteimundi brinjals, known for their unique taste and quick cooking time, and Dhenkanal's Magji, a distinct sweet crafted from buffalo milk cheese. This recognition highlights their exclusive connection to the state.
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The GI tag for the red ant chutney is particularly noteworthy, marking a significant moment for Odisha. In Mayurbhanj district, red weaver ants are utilised to create the famed Kai Chutney, celebrated for its medicinal and nutritional properties. These ants are commonly found in the Similipal forests, constituting Asia's second-largest biosphere. The chutney is prepared by grinding a blend of salt, ginger, garlic, and chillies. Similar red ant chutneys are also found in neighbouring states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
Other GI-tagged items include the Kalajeera rice, revered as the 'Prince of Rice,' known for its aroma, taste, texture, and nutritional value. Tribal farmers in Koraput have preserved this rice variety for around 1,000 years. Nayagarh's Kanteimundi Brinjal, recognised for its prickly thorns and unique taste, is also part of the distinguished list.
Gajapati district's "Khajuri Guda" or date palm jaggery, extracted from date palm trees, is a natural sweetener with a trapezoidal form known as 'Patali Gur.' It boasts an organic nature, dark brown hue, and a distinctive taste. Lastly, Dhenkanal Magji, a sweet made from buffalo milk cheese, stands out with its unique characteristics in shape and flavour.
This decision to highlight tribal food products is a huge step towards legitimising the local communities and their culture as well as preserving the culinary history of Odisha.