Turmeric cultivation reaches 300 hectares in Kushinagar with support from govt & national institutions

Lucknow : Kushinagar farmers are increasingly embracing healthy turmeric farming with the support of the Yogi government and renowned national institutions such as the Tata Trust and the Azim Premji Foundations. The national institutions are supporting the farmers in Purvanchal through the Sustainable Human Development Association (SHDA).

As a result, turmeric cultivation has expanded significantly in Kushinagar, reaching 300 hectares in the recent years. By promoting the best yielding varieties after extensive trials, the yield and quality of turmeric per hectare have improved markedly.

One of the main challenges in promoting turmeric cultivation was identifying high-yielding varieties. Traditionally, local species yielded only 175 quintals per hectare. To address this, SHDA conducted demonstrations of varieties such as Rajendra Sonia, Rajendra Sonali, Meva No.1, and Lakadang. Among these, Rajendra Sonia proved to be the most productive, yielding 450 quintals per hectare. This variety is now being widely encouraged among farmers.

In 2023, with support from the Azim Premji Foundation, farmers are also being encouraged to cultivate other spices like coriander, cumin, fennel, mangrela, and ajwain alongside turmeric. The National Seed Research Center in Ajmer is aiding this diversification effort, further enhancing agricultural prospects in the region.

According to Ashok Rai, in-charge of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Kushinagar, which is affiliated with the National Agricultural Research Council, farmers are now cultivating turmeric across approximately 250 to 300 hectares in the district. Thanks to the encouragement from the Yogi government, a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) in Dudhi block is also engaged in turmeric cultivation, processing, and marketing. Additionally, the SHDA, with the support of Tata Trust, is undertaking similar efforts in Ramkola.

The head of the organization, VM Tripathi, said that there is a lot of potential for turmeric cultivation in Kushinagar. If the government declares Kushinagar as One District One Product area, then with the facilities provided by it, it can become the second Guntur and Erode in terms of turmeric production.

Kushinagar, a district in Purvanchal adjacent to Bihar, boasts excellent connectivity to Bengal and northeastern states via a four-lane road. The upcoming international airport will further enhance its reach. The district’s association with Lord Buddha offers branding potential similar to the famed Kala Namak rice. Kushinagar turmeric could become a recognized brand, leveraging its historical and geographical significance.

Turmeric is a staple in every household, known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It aids in pain relief, injury recovery, dental health, and boosts immunity. As a blood purifier, it is beneficial for the skin and helps induce sleep due to its melatonin content.

Notably, India dominates the global turmeric market, producing about 80 percent of the world’s supply and accounting for 60 percent of exports. Major importers include the USA, UK, and Bangladesh. The demand for turmeric surged post-COVID-19, especially in the Middle East, due to its health benefits. Within India, turmeric is predominantly produced in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and northeastern states.