Odisha MP Advocates for GI Protection of State's Culinary Heritage in Parliament
In a significant move to safeguard Odisha's rich culinary traditions, Koraput Member of Parliament Saptagiri Ulaka raised a formal demand in the Lok Sabha on Thursday for Geographical Indication (GI) tag recognition for several of the state's iconic food products. The intervention occurred during the ongoing Budget Session of the 18th Lok Sabha, where Ulaka utilized Rule 377 to bring attention to what he described as an urgent need to protect Odisha's unique gastronomic legacy through formal intellectual property protection.
Time-Bound Process Urged for GI Recognition
MP Ulaka specifically urged the Union government to initiate a structured, time-bound process for granting GI recognition to Odisha's traditional foods. He emphasized that numerous traditional products, despite holding immense cultural and historical significance for the state and its communities, currently lack formal protection. This absence of GI status leaves them vulnerable to imitation and misrepresentation, potentially diluting their authentic identity and economic value.
Iconic Products Highlighted for Protection
The parliamentarian presented a detailed list of culinary treasures deserving of the GI tag. From urban street food to rural tribal produce, the selection showcases Odisha's diverse food landscape:
- Chhena Gaja and Dahi Bara Aloodum of Cuttack: These popular street delicacies are deeply intertwined with Cuttack's urban identity and culinary culture.
- Sara Papudi: A traditional sweet preparation from rural Odisha, representing local confectionery traditions.
- Sarsatia: A rare forest-based delicacy prepared using resin, highlighting the connection between tribal communities and their natural environment.
- Chhena Jhilli from Nimapada: A specific regional variant of cheese-based sweets.
- Pakhala Bhata: Often described as the soul food of Odisha, this fermented rice dish is central to daily meals and cultural practices across the state.
- Koraput Coffee: Organically grown by tribal farmers in the Eastern Ghats, this coffee has gained international recognition for its quality and sustainable production methods.
Ulaka stressed that these are not merely food items but represent the living legacy of Odisha's communities, with preparation methods passed down through generations that require preservation.
Broader Implications of GI Recognition
The MP outlined multiple benefits that GI recognition would bring to Odisha. Primarily, it would legally protect the authenticity of these products, preventing imitation and ensuring that only goods produced using traditional methods in their specific regions could carry the designated names. This protection is expected to:
- Boost the livelihoods of local producers, farmers, and tribal cooperatives by enhancing the market value and demand for authentic products.
- Strengthen Odisha's cultural standing at the national level by formally acknowledging its unique culinary contributions.
- Support sustainable agricultural and food production practices tied to specific geographies and communities.
Furthermore, Ulaka called for direct government support to local producer groups and tribal cooperatives to facilitate the often complex and resource-intensive GI registration process. He argued that such support is crucial for ensuring that traditional knowledge holders can navigate bureaucratic requirements and secure the protection their products deserve.
This parliamentary intervention highlights a growing recognition of the need to protect regional food identities as valuable cultural and economic assets. The demand places Odisha's diverse culinary heritage squarely on the national policy agenda, seeking to secure its future through the formal framework of Geographical Indication tags.
