Context:  Recently, the Similipal Kai Chutney made with kai pimpudi (red weaver ants) by the tribal people of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district received the geographical identity tag.

News:

The application was made by The Mayurbhanj Kai Society Ltd in 2020 for registration in Class 30 under sub-section (1) of section 13 of Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

About Kai chutney:

It comprises essential nutrients such as proteins, calcium, zinc, vitamin B-12, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, and amino acids, contributing to the enhancement of the immune system.

About Red Weaver Ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) in Mayurbhanj, Odisha:

• Red Weaver Ants are native to the Mayurbhanj district in Odisha.
• Classification:
  • These ants are categorized into workers, major workers, and queens.
  • Workers and major workers typically display an orange coloration, while queens exhibit a greenish-brown hue.

Diet:

They primarily feed on small insects and other invertebrates, including beetles, flies, and hymenopterans.

Benefits:

• Medicinal Oil: The tribes in the region utilize these ants as a SOURCE of medicinal oil, employing it to treat conditions such as rheumatism, gout, ringworm, and other ailments.

  Bio-control Agents: Recognized as bio-control agents, these ants play a crucial role in safeguarding various tropical crops from insect pests, serving as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides.

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a distinctive sign applied to products originating from a specific geographical area, possessing characteristics or a reputation uniquely linked to that origin. Geographical Indications fall within the realm of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) as outlined in the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.

These indications are commonly employed for a range of products, including but not limited to agricultural produce, food items, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial goods.