Ulaka raises GI tag demand for Odisha’s iconic foods

Bhubaneswar: A demand for Geographical Indication (GI) tag recognition for several of Odisha's iconic culinary and tribal products was raised in the Lok Sabha by Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka on Thursday, highlighting the need to protect the state's traditional foods.Raising the issue under Rule 377 during the ongoing Budget Session of the 18th Lok Sabha, Ulaka urged the Union govt to initiate a time-bound process for granting GI recognition to Odisha's unique culinary heritage. He said several traditional products, despite their cultural and historical significance, are yet to receive formal protection.The MP mentioned ‘chhena gaja' and ‘dahi bara aloodum' of Cuttack, a popular street delicacy deeply associated with the city's identity. He also highlighted ‘sara papudi', a traditional rural sweet, and ‘sarsatia', a rare delicacy prepared using resin, a forest produce , stressing the need to preserve their authentic preparation methods.Ulaka further pitched for GI status for ‘chhena jhilli' from Nimapada, ‘pakhala bhata'—considered the soul food of Odisha—and Koraput Coffee, which is organically grown by tribal farmers in the eastern ghats and has gained global recognition.Emphasising that these products represent the legacy of communities rather than merely food items, the MP said GI recognition would help protect authenticity, prevent imitation, boost livelihoods, and strengthen Odisha's cultural standing at the national level. He also sought govt support for local producer groups and tribal cooperatives to facilitate the GI registration process.