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Ant Chutney seeks GI Tag

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    Polity & Governance
  • Published
    5th Jul, 2022

Context

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

About Ant Chutney

  • 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.


The species (Weaver ants)

  • 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”.

How is the Chutney prepared?

  • 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.

What is a GI Tag?

  • 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.

GI tag in India

  • 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.

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