While the neighbouring state West Bengal celebrated its one year of Rosogolla Day on November 14 after winning the three-year pitched geographical indication (GI) tag battle, Odisha is planning to get GI status for its local natural sweetener palm jaggery.
There are four palm jaggery selling points across the State at Khandagiri, Unit-II in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Salepur. Besides, the product is also sold at various exhibitions being organised in the State.
Considering these facts, a number of meetings have been held in this regard between Odisha State Palmgur Cooperative Federation (OSPCF) and Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC).
As quoted by the Odisha Suntimes, a senior official in the palm jaggery federation said that the authorities will take initiative to provide training to the farmers for proper method to make palm jaggery.
Notably, the origin of palm jaggery in Odisha is beloved to be very ancient. Even, MK Gandhi had laid focus on the promotion of palm jaggery during his period. Although West Bengal is also a leading producer of palm jaggery in the country, its making process in Odisha differs from the neighbouring State.
