GI TAGS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Seven products from Odisha, ranging from the Similipal Kai chutney made with red weaver ants to the embroidered Kapdaganda shawl, have bagged the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag in recognition of their exclusivity to the state.

Kapdaganda Shawl

• Woven and embroidered by the Dongria Kondh tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in the Niyamgiri hills in Odisha’s Rayagada and Kalahandi districts.
• Worn by both men and women; the Dongrias give it to their family members as a token of love and affection.

Lanjia Saurpa Painting

• One of the oldest tribal art forms, also known as Idital.
• Belongs to the Lanjia Saura community, a PVTG largely residing in the Rayagada district; these paintings are exterior murals on mud walls.

Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal

• Known for prickly thorns on stems and the entire plant.
• Green, round fruits have more seeds compared to other genotypes.
• Famous for unique taste and relatively short cooking time; plants are resistant to major insects, requiring minimal pesticide.

Odisha Khajuri Guda (Jaggery)

• Natural sweetener extracted from date palm trees; originates in the Gajapati district.
• Traditionally prepared in a trapezoidal form called ‘Patali Gur’; organic by nature, dark brown, and possesses a unique taste.

Dhenkanal Magji

• Sweet made from buffalo milk cheese; distinct characteristics in appearance, taste, flavor, shape, and size.

Similipal Kai Chutney

• The chutney made with red weaver ants is a traditional delicacy of the tribals in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. 
• The ants are found in the forests of Mayurbhanj, including in the Similipal forests – Asia’s second-largest biosphere. 

Koraput Kala Jeera Rice

• Black-colored rice variety, known as the ‘Prince of Rice,’ renowned for aroma, taste, texture, and nutritional value.
• Consumption aids in increasing haemoglobin levels and improves metabolism.