Odisha plans to apply for GI tag for Palm Jaggery
After the geographical indication (GI) tag war against West Bengal over Rasagola, Odisha is planning to get GI status for its local natural sweetener palm jaggery. According to the news in various blogs and news portals, a number of meetings have been held in this regard between Odisha State Palmgur Cooperative Federation (OSPCF) and Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC).
There are four palm jaggery selling points across the State at Khandagiri, Unit-II in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Salepur. Besides, the product is also sold at various exhibitions being organized in the State.
The palm jaggery is made using firewood between the months December and March. Making a change in the manufacturing process, the farmers will be trained to produce palm jaggery without firewood. Notably, the origin of palm jaggery in Odisha is beloved to be very ancient. Even, MK Gandhi had laid focus on the promotion of palm jaggery during his period. Although West Bengal is also a leading producer of palm jaggery in the country, its making process in Odisha differs from the neighboring State.
