The tribal people of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj area made Similipal kai chutney with red weaver ants. On January 2, 2024, it was given a geographical indication (GI) tag. People in the area know that the tasty ant sauce is good for you and can even help with health problems.
How to Apply for and Register a GI Tag
The Mayurbhanj Kai Society Ltd filed for GI registration of Similipal kai chutney in 2020. This was done in line with the 1999 Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act. The application pointed out that the sauce is only found in Mayurbhanj and nearby areas.
The GI Registry office in Chennai looked over the application and gave it the green light. They then officially registered the Similipal kai sauce as a food product. This gives the ant chutney’s starting rights to the tribal groups in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.
Value for Food and Medicine
Scientists from Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology looked at red weaver ants, which are a key ingredient in the sauce. It was found that the ants have a lot of calcium, zinc, iron, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, such as amino acids.
Similipal kai chutney helps tribal people get all the nutrients they need and makes them less likely to get sick when they eat it regularly. That spicy chutney can also fix you and help with things like rheumatism, skin problems, and stomach issues.
Ant Collecting and Making Chutney
About 500 tribal people from the forests of Mayurbhanj district gather red weaver ants to make money. They are able to sell a lot of live ants and kai chutney at neighborhood markets in their area.
It is possible to get ants and their eggs from tree nests and clean them. Ants, salt, spices like ginger and garlic, and green peppers are mixed together to make the chutney. It tastes very hot and sour.
Getting more attention and popularity
Kai chutney used to only be famous among people from tribal groups. But as more people learn about it, it’s also becoming more popular in cities. With more than 200 members, the Mayurbhanj Kai Society now works to spread the word about this traditional tribal treat through food events and campaigns.
The GI tag for Similipal kai chutney is a big help for making it even more well-known and raising demand in the market. But people who collect ants need to be careful that their methods don’t become obsolete.
