Kanas, Nov 6: The traditional delicacy ‘Pita Sukhua’ from Kanas in Odisha’s Puri district is gaining popularity beyond the state, with demand growing in markets across India and abroad. What was once a traditional food practice has now become an important source of livelihood for several local families.

For generations, people in Kanas have been preparing dried fish using catches from Chilika Lake and the Daya River. Local fishermen and women collect the fish, clean it and dry it using traditional methods to prepare the distinctive Pita Sukhua.

Known for its unique taste and quality, the dried fish has found buyers in markets outside Odisha as well. According to local traders, Pita Sukhua is supplied to places such as Manipur, Sri Lanka and Nagaland, besides other destinations.

With demand growing in outside markets, several families in the region now depend on this traditional business for their livelihood. Women, fishermen and small traders are finding employment opportunities through the preparation and sale of dried fish.

Locals believe that better support for this traditional trade, along with improved drying facilities, storage infrastructure and market access, could help expand the business and create more livelihood opportunities in the region.

Today, Kanas’ Pita Sukhua is not just a traditional food product. It has become a distinct identity for the region and a source of income for many families.