Madhya Pradesh’s Kadaknath Chicken Wins the Battle of GI Tag

Kadaknath chicken had become the reason for dispute between Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh with both the States its claim over its origin for GI tag. Both States had filed applications with the Geographical Indication Registry office in Chennai for the ‘GI tag’ for this “Kali masi”.

Geographical Indication Registry and Intellectual Property India situated in Chennai has awarded Geographical Indication (GI) Tag to Madhya Pradesh’s Kadaknath chicken and denied Chattisgarh’s claim over it. The GI tag will ensure sole ownership to Madhya Pradesh of the name Kadaknath Chicken while so that no other state could it while selling any other black chicken.

Kadaknath chicken breed is distinguished for its black color due to its black-feathers. Its black color results out of the deposition of melanin pigment.  The breed is native to Jhabua, Alirajpur and parts of Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh.

Kadaknath chicken contains 25-27% of protein which is much higher in comparison to other breeds of chicken. It is also known for its high iron content and low fat and cholesterol content. Kadaknath has special medicinal value in homeopathy and a particular nervous disorder. The tribal uses kadaknath blood in the treatment of chronic disease in human beings and its meat as a stimulant.  The protein-rich meat of Kadaknath, chicks and eggs are sold at a much higher rate than other varieties of chicken.

“Getting GI tag was never in doubt but it took a lot of effort,’’ said Animal Husbandry Department’s additional deputy director Dr BhagwanManghnani.