Kai Chutney

In Context

In Odisha, scientists are now fine-tuning their research to make a presentation for the Geographical Indications (GI) registry of Kai Chutney.

More In News

Applied under the food category, the GI tag would help develop a structured hygiene protocol in the preparation of Kai Chutney for standard wider use.
GI labels enhance the reputation and value of local products and support local businesses.

Geographical Indications (GI)

It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
It is a part of the intellectual property rights that comes under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999.
Items Covered: Agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.

About Kai Chutney

It is made up of weaver ants which are popular in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district among the people, mostly tribals.
- Weaver ants, scientifically called Oecophylla smaragdina.
- The “Kai” (Red Weaver Ant) are biocontrol agents.
  - They are aggressive and prey on most arthropods entering their territory.
  - They are recognized as biological control agents in tropical crops as they are able to protect a variety of crops against many different insect pests.
It is prepared by mixing and grinding salt, ginger, garlic and chilly and is sold by tribals in rural markets.
Benefits
- It rich in valuable proteins, calcium, zinc, vitamin B-12, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, fibre and 18 amino acids
- It is known to boost the immune system and keep diseases at bay.
  - The tribes of Mayurbhanj consume Kai chutney or soup to get rid of flu, common cold, whooping cough, to increase appetite, enhance vision and eyesight naturally without corrective eye wear and to treat joints pain, stomach diseases, essentials for the development of a healthy brain and the nervous system.

Source:TH

Previous article Election of the Vice President

Next article Large Hadron Collider