In a big Boost to tribal farmers in Odisha, Kandhamal Turmeric gets a GI tag

Days after turmeric grown by farmers in Kandhamal in Odisha received Geographical Indication (GI) tag on April 1, Sanjit Kumar Patnaik, secretary of Kandhamal Apex Species Association for Marketing (KASAM) talked about benefits of this turmeric. 

Talking to ANI, he said that turmeric produced by Tribal farmers which got GI tag on April 1 will be called as 'Kandhamal Haldi'. he added that this type of turmeric is organic because farmers use traditional methods of production. he also said that fertilizers are not used in its produce and only organic fertilizers are used if needed. 

Detailing the process of its produce, the secretary said :
"The farming for turmeric is done during monsoon season and takes one year to get completed. After this, turmeric is taken to processing unit, before taking it to the market to sell. The cultivation of turmeric is done on 1300 hectares in Kandhamal. Overall 1.23 lakh metric tonne wet turmeric and 25000 metric tonne dry turmeric are produced."

MUST WATCH: 'On The Road' With BJP's Latest Entrant Jay Panda Who Speaks On Joining The Party And Contesting Elections In Odisha While Flying A Chopper

Saying that the GI tag will give a boost to the tribal farmers involved in turmeric farming, he emphasized the role of KASAM:

"KASAM was formed to process the farm produce done by tribal farmers and our main product is turmeric. Before KASAM was formed in 2000, there were middlemen who sold turmeric at higher prices after buying from farmers. Now we fixed a benchmark price of Rs 60 per kg from the farmer. We have to increase awareness so that middlemen do not get involved and disturb pricing of turmeric."

He further added that KASAM is starting a process of registration of farmers so that transactions can be made online. He said that he is hopeful that GI tag will help to increase the market in European nations. This comes as a big boost in the Kandhamal region of Odisha that goes on polls in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 18. 

(Inputs from ANI)

Watch: Stunning Slow-motion Video As 'world's Most Powerful Rocket'- Falcon Heavy Successfully Lands All Three Rocket Boosters Simultaneously