Bhubaneswar, 3 December (H.S.): The Odisha government is taking steps to support the Geographical Indication (GI) tag application for Cuttack’s renowned street delicacy, Dahibara Aloodum, MSME Minister Gokula Nanda Mallik informed the State Assembly on Wednesday.

Responding to a query from MLA Sofia Firdous, the Minister clarified that although the MSME Department cannot directly apply for a GI tag under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, it can extend full support to associations, individuals, or organisations representing the makers of Dahibara Aloodum.

He stated that the department, as the nodal agency, will assist any eligible applicant in completing the registration process with the GI Registry in Chennai.

“If any application for GI registration of Dahibara Aloodum is received from any association, individual or stakeholder involved with its preparation, the MSME Department will facilitate the applicant in filing with the GI Registry, Chennai,” the Minister said.

The Minister further informed that the dish has been recommended to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Centre’s One District One Cuisine initiative for Cuttack district. The scheme aims to promote region-specific food items at national and international platforms.

He added that securing a GI tag would help boost the popularity of Dahibara Aloodum across India, enabling large-scale production and offering significant benefits to local businesses and food entrepreneurs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda