Ant Chutney seeks GI Tag

Context

The Kai Chutney made from Red Ants by the tribals of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha are seeking a Geographical Indications (GI) tag.

People often keep a safe distance from red weaver ants as their sting inflicts a sharp pain and reddish bumps on the skin.

Despite this, weaver ants are popular among the tribes of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha for the mouth-watering dish made of them — the Kai chutney.

This food item, rich in proteins, calcium, zinc, vitamin B-12, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, fibre and 18 amino acids, is known to boost the immune system and keep diseases at bay.

Red weaver ants are indigenous to Mayurbhanj and are found abundantly in the jungles there, including in Similipal.
Weaver ants are scientifically called Oecophylla smaragdina.
Red weaver ants live in colonies consisting of multiple nests on trees.
Each nest is made of leaves stitched together using the silk produced by their larvae, and can withstand strong winds and can be water-tight.
They assemble nests with leaves of host timber. When required, leafy nests of ants are plucked and collected in a bucket of water.
Later they are sorted and separated from leaves and debris. Larval and adult stage ants are preferred for eating raw or into “chutney form”.

Weaver ants, Oecophylla smaragdina, are abundantly found in Mayurbhanj throughout the year.
They make nests with leaves of host trees.
The chutney is prepared by mixing and grinding salt, ginger, garlic and chilly and is sold by tribal people in rural markets.

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
In addition, the qualities, characteristics, or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of origin.
A geographical indication right enables those who have the right to use the indication to prevent its use by a third party whose product does not conform to the applicable standards.
For a product to function with a GI, a sign must be there on it to ensure its identification. No one other than the registered and authorized users is to use the product’s name.

Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 governs the GI tag in India.
It is issued by the Geographical Indications Registry (Chennai).
Geographical indications registered as collective and certification marks are generally protected for renewable ten-year periods.
Products Covered: Agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.
- Applied under the food category, the GI tag will help develop a structured hygiene protocol in the preparation of Kai chutney for standard wider use.
Geographical Indications labels enhance the reputation and value of local products and support local businesses.