GI tag for Meghalaya's Lakadong turmeric

Meghalaya's Lakadong turmeric, considered to be one of the world's best varieties of turmeric with a high curcumin content, has bagged the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Besides Lakadong turmeric, Garo Dakmanda (traditional dress), Larnai pottery and Garo Chubitchi (alcoholic beverage) have been awarded the coveted GI tag.

While Dakmanda is a handwoven ankle-length lower garment which is part of the traditional attire of Garo women of Meghalaya, Chubitchi is a rice-based fermented drink of the Garo community consumed during feasts and ceremonies. Larnai pottery, on the other hand, is made of black clay from Larnai village and the art form has been passed down through generations.

Meghalaya Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said the Lakadong turmeric, which is found in Lakadong area of Jaintia Hills, has high curcumin content. Curcumin has many scientifically proven health benefits, such as the potential to improve heart health and prevent Alzheimer's and cancer. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.

Lakadong turmeric is considered to be one of the world's best varieties of turmeric, with a curcumin content of around 6.8 to 7.5 per cent. It is darker in colour and is grown organically without the use of fertilisers. She said the GI tag will provide the farmers with a unique selling point and they will fetch a good market price.

"The GI tag will help farmers in marketing and give access to customers to the authentic product. We are pleased to announce that GI has been awarded to Lakadong turmeric," she said, while thanking the stakeholders who took the initiative to get the GI tag. Around 14,000 farmers from 43 villages of Lakadong area are currently engaged in cultivating the turmeric variety on 1,753 hectares.

Lakadong farmer Trinity Saioo, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2021 for encouraging more farmers in the state to take up cultivation of the turmeric variety, expressed happiness and gratitude to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for promoting the spice.

"I am very happy that Lakadong turmeric has received the GI tag. It is a blessing for the people of Jaintia Hills," she said, adding that it will boost the competitiveness of Lakadong farmers in domestic and international markets and create more livelihood opportunities.