Bhubaneswar: Minister for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Gokula Nanda Mallik, highlighted the steps taken by the state government to promote Cuttack’s famous street food, Dahibara Aloodum and the progress in its Geographical Indication (GI) tag application process.
Responding to a query by MLA Sofia Firdous, the Minister clarified that while the MSME Department cannot directly apply for a GI tag under the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, it can facilitate applications from associations, individuals, or organisations representing the producers of Dahibara Aloodum. The department has committed to supporting any such application and assisting with the registration process at the GI Registry in Chennai.
“If any application for GI registration of Dahibara Aloodum is received from any association, individual or stakeholder involved with Dahibara Aloodum, the MSME Department, as nodal agency, will facilitate the applicant for GI registration with the GI registry, Chennai”, stated the Minister.
Additionally, the Minister revealed that Dahibara Aloodum has been suggested to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, as a cuisine for the Cuttack district under the ‘One District One Cuisine Scheme’. This initiative aims to promote the dish at both national and international levels.
The Minister emphasised that once the GI tag is granted, the dish’s name can be popularised across the country, enabling large-scale production and benefiting local businesses.
