The state faces tough competition from other turmeric-producing states such as Telangana and Maharashtra

Turmeric fields in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya are attracting businessmen from India and abroad. The region’s Lakadong turmeric, considered the world’s best, is now in the news due to its freshness and curcumin content, which is used for pharmaceutical purposes and fetches a premium price.

After five years of implementing Mission Lakadong, local turmeric production in Meghalaya has transformed into a profitable economic activity with increased trade and farming opportunities. As a result, the state has been able to expand its exports to countries like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Despite this success, the state faces tough competition from other turmeric-producing states such as Telangana and Maharashtra.

If we compare the production of turmeric, it is seen that many other states surpass Meghalaya in terms of quantity. However, when it comes to quality, the situation is reversed. The West Jaintia Hill district cultivates three varieties of turmeric – Lachen, Lasain and Lakadong. While the first two have only four to five per cent of curcumin, Lakadong has an average of seven per cent curcumin. This variety is grown only by the locals of this small district, which is bordered by Bangladesh and Assam. Any efforts to grow this variety elsewhere have resulted in a sharp decline in its curcumin content.

The Meghalaya government launched ‘Mission Lakadong’ in 2018 to promote the cultivation and sale of turmeric. This involved appointing a nodal officer and working with groups such as Trinity Sio and Life Spice Processing Cooperative Society to find new markets and branding opportunities for farmers.