Meghalaya’s Turmeric and Ginger Powder Make Way to UK, Netherlands
In a significant stride for India’s export sector, premium turmeric and ginger powder from Meghalaya have started hitting the shelves in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, marking a milestone in the nation’s global trade.
The Lakadong strain of turmeric, renowned for its exceptional quality and originating from the Lakadong region in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, is gaining international attention. Notably, this particular variety boasts a remarkable curcumin content ranging between 6.8 to 7.5 per cent, as emphasized by Banteidor Lyngdoh, the Agriculture Minister of Meghalaya. The ginger powder, sourced from the Ri-Bhoi district, is also being lauded for its premium standards.
A recent shipment consisting of 150 kg of Lakadong turmeric and an equal quantity of ginger powder was dispatched to the Netherlands. Additionally, another batch comprising 210 kg of Lakadong turmeric and 5 kg of ginger powder is currently en route to the UK, according to statements by the state’s Agriculture Minister.
Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh elaborated that this export venture is part of an experimental phase, endorsed by the state government, in direct response to growing consumer demand within these two European countries.
Five years following the initiation of Mission Lakadong, an initiative aimed at uplifting the local economy, trade, and agricultural practices, the indigenous turmeric has succeeded in becoming a noteworthy player in the export arena. Interestingly, Meghalaya’s primary competitors in this pursuit are Telangana and Maharashtra, as reported by The Print.
While Meghalaya might lag behind several other states in terms of sheer turmeric production volume, it stands out when focusing on the superior quality it offers. Within the West Jaintia Hill district, three distinct turmeric varieties are cultivated – Lachein, Lasyein, and the prized Lakadong.
Although Lachein and Lasyein varieties exhibit a curcumin content of about 4-5%, the Lakadong turmeric stands head and shoulders above with an impressive average curcumin content of 7%. This exceptional strain is exclusive to a small district situated between Bangladesh and Assam. Efforts to cultivate this unique turmeric elsewhere have resulted in noticeable drops in curcumin levels.
The planned export of these products, sourced from women’s self-help groups in the aforementioned districts, was initially scheduled for the previous year. However, the global pandemic thwarted these plans, as clarified by Minister Lyngdoh.
In the agricultural year 2016-17, Meghalaya contributed 16,383 metric tonnes of turmeric to the nation’s production, with more than half of it originating from the West Jaintia Hills district. Villages such as Sumer, Lakadong, Shangpung, Iooksi, Nongtyngkoh, and Khoushnong, renowned for their exceptional turmeric cultivation, have been significant contributors.
On a broader scale, India remains a global leader as the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices. The country’s spice production surged to an impressive 10.87 million tonnes in the 2021-22 period. A notable achievement was witnessed in spice exports during 2020-21, with a 17% increase in US dollar value and a 30% surge in volume, according to data from the India Brand Equity Foundation.
During the 2021-22 period, India’s foremost spice exports were spearheaded by chilli, trailed by spice oils and oleoresins, mint products, cumin, and the highly sought-after turmeric.