By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, September 7, 2022: The Odisha State Co-operative Handicrafts Corporation Limited (Utkalika) has filed an application seeking geographical indication (GI) tag for ‘Odisha Brass and Bell Metal’ products. The GI tag will help for branding of Odisha’s brass and bell metal crafts in the international market.

The Utkalika has filed the application for GI tag to brass and bell metal craft products, musical instruments and household/kitchen utensils and containers before the Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade department under Commerce Ministry.

Director of Handicrafts Shyambabhakta Mishra said the application has been filed on Monday under section 11 (1) of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999.

As per the Directorate of Handicrafts, the state brass and bell metal craft clusters in 11 districts with around 9,000 artisans. A common facility centre on brass and bell metal craft has been sanctioned at Kantilo and Khalisahi in Nayagarh district.

More handicraft products from the State will be registered for geographical registration soon to protect their uniqueness and artisans. Currently, only three crafts from Odisha have been registered for geographical indications under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts department officials said steps are being taken for GI registration of more products to prevent unauthorised production and duplication of Odisha’s handicrafts.

The products that have been chosen for filing of GI registration next are flexible brass fish of Belaguntha (Ganjam), terracotta roof tiles of Barpali (Bargarh), paper mache masks of Puri, straw craft of Jiral (Dhenkanal), lacquer toys of Balasore, Dokra casting of Odisha, stone carving and utensils of Nilagiri (Balasore), paddy craft of Balangir, terracotta craft of Subarnapur, horn craft of Gajapati, lac boxes of Nabarangpur and Talapatra Pothi Chitra of Puri.