Focus: GS-III Environment and Ecology
Why in news?
Though Kandhamal saw a bumper yield this year, less than 20% of raw turmeric has been sold so far, leaving the rest of the produce with farmers.
Background and Details
- The famed organic turmeric of Odisha’s Kandhamal district received the geographical indication (GI) tag in2019.
- With COVID-19 sweeping across the region, the farmers have been left in the lurch due to procurement of the turmeric being badly affected by the pandemic.
- Taking advantage of the COVID-19 restrictions, unscrupulous traders have been quoting per kg turmeric price.
Specialty
- ‘Kandhamal Haladi’ for which GI tag has been received is a pure organic product.
- Tribals grow the herbs without applying fertiliser or pesticide.
- The aromatic value and golden yellow colour of ‘Kandhamal Haladi’ make it different from the rest.
- With more than 60% of the geographical area covered with hills and forest, Kandhamal offers suitable agro‐climatic condition for cultivation of various spices mainly turmeric, ginger, mustard and tamarind.
Click Here to read more about GI Tags
-Source: The Hindu
