Lakadong Turmeric

We are a quality-conscious firm, engaged in making available high-quality Lakadong Turmeric in the international markets. We conduct our operations from West Bengal, India. Offered by us in different grades and ratings, our Turmeric has no match in the market. In order to deliver qualitative content, we meticulously pack it and ensure safe side deliveries. One can rely on us for reasonable prices.

he Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya produces some of the finest turmeric in the world with its “Lakadong” (curcuma longa) variety. Most of the turmeric is cultivated by small and marginal farmers for household consumption and for sale as a cash crop.
Due to its high curcumin content, robust aroma, colour and organic nature, this variety could have good market potential in India and possibly abroad. The IFAD-supported Livelihood Improvement Project for Himalayas in Meghalaya (2004-2012) has been working to capture this niche market and help enhance the incomes of poor rural farmers.

Cultivation of turmeric

What is turmeric?

Turmeric is a member of the Curcuma botanical group, part of the ginger family of herbs (Zingiberaceae). The root and rhizome (underground stem) of the Curcuma lomba L. plant is crushed and powdered into ground turmeric. Ground turmeric is used worldwide for seasoning, being the main ingredient in curry. It is also the source of curcumin.

What is curcumin?

Curcumin is the main biologically active phytochemical compound of turmeric. Curcumin, which gives the yellow colour to turmeric, was first isolated almost two centuries ago. Extensive research has demonstrated the renowned range of medical properties found in curcumin.

Source: www.curcumin-turmeric.com

India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world. Meghalaya State in the North Eastern Region produces about 8,000 MT of turmeric each year. More than 70 per cent of this production is concentrated in Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills because of their favourable micro-climatic and soil conditions. Jaintia Hills produces three varieties of turmeric: Lakadong, Laskein and Ladaw.

Research conducted by Indian Council for Agricultural Research shows that the Lakadong variety has a high curcumin content of 6.0-7.5 per cent, while that of the other two varieties is below 5 per cent. There is a very high demand by the pharmaceutical industry for turmeric varieties with high curcumin content as it can be used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and dye/food-colouring industries.

The number of cultivators of Lakadong turmeric in Jainitia Hills is estimated to be 500-600. However, a visual survey of the area indicates a much larger number of cultivators. They are mostly located in a 300 square kilometre area located in and around the following villages: Shangpung, Raliang, Mowkaiaw, Sahsmiang, Lakadong and Nongryngkoh in Jaintia Hills. The size of holdings devoted to turmeric ranges from 0.04-1.2 hectares. Its cultivation is popular among very poor farmers.

Lakadong turmeric in Jaintia hills is currently sold in powdered form, catering to local markets. There are approximately 40 mills in the district, all privately owned and located in the above-mentioned villages. The average output per mill is 200 kilograms per day.

Marketing turmeric

The marketing of turmeric takes place primarily in unregulated markets called ‘haats’, or weekly bazaars. Traders come from Shillong to purchase Lakadong at wholesale prices in Jaintia Hills haats and even at the farm-gates of cultivators. Even organized trading companies such as  choice spices itc ,tata.and many other turmeric from the rural haats of Jaintia Hills through local middlemen. The marketing of Lakadong turmeric is thus controlled by a handful of middlemen.