Shillong/IBNS: Meghalaya has commenced the export of its premium turmeric and ginger powder to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The Lakadong variety of turmeric, renowned for its exceptional quality, hails from the Lakadong region within the West Jaintia Hills district.

With an impressive curcumin content ranging from 6.8 to 7.5 per cent, this variety has been lauded as one of the finest turmeric types globally, as articulated by Meghalaya’s Agriculture Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh, as quoted by the Press Trust of India, reports Northeast Weekly.

Further accentuating the state's offerings, the high-grade ginger powder is sourced from villages situated in the Ri-Bhoi district.

Approximately 150 kg of Lakadong turmeric and an equal quantity of ginger powder have been dispatched to the Netherlands, while an additional 210 kg of Lakadong turmeric and 5 kg of ginger powder are destined for the UK, according to statements provided by Mr. Banteidor to PTI.

This endeavor marks an experimental phase facilitated by the state government in response to burgeoning demand from consumers within these nations.

The export venture emerges five years after the establishment of Mission Lakadong, a program aimed at harnessing the economic potential of local turmeric production, thereby fueling economic activity, trade, and the transformation of the agricultural landscape.

While Meghalaya's chief competitors in this domain include Telangana and Maharashtra, the state has emerged triumphant in terms of quality. The West Jaintia Hill district hosts the cultivation of three turmeric varieties: Lachein, Lasyein, and Lakadong.

Lakadong boasts an average curcumin content of seven per cent, significantly surpassing its counterparts. This unique attribute is exclusive to the district, nestled between Assam to the north and Bangladesh to the south.

Attempts at cultivating the same turmeric elsewhere have resulted in marked declines in curcumin levels.

The export initiative, sourced from women's self-help groups in the respective districts, was poised to commence last year but was delayed due to the global pandemic, the minister revealed.

With a turmeric yield of 16,383 metric tonnes during 2016-17, Meghalaya is poised to make its mark on the global spice trade.

More than half of this output originates from the West Jaintia Hills district, with key villages such as Sumer, Lakadong, Shangpung, Iooksi, Nongtyngkoh, and Khoushnong being acknowledged for their pivotal role in turmeric cultivation, as affirmed by a senior agriculture officer.

This accomplishment contributes to India's preeminence as the world's foremost spice producer, consumer, and exporter.

In the fiscal year 2021-22, spice production reached a staggering 10.87 million tonnes, while spice exports achieved an unprecedented pinnacle both in terms of value and volume, registering growth of 17% in US dollar value terms and 30% in volume terms, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation.

During the same period, the leading spice exported from India was chili, closely followed by spice oils and oleoresins, mint products, cumin, and turmeric.

India stands out as a producer of 75 out of the 109 varieties recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Among the diverse array of spices produced and exported, pepper, cardamom, chili, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, nutmeg & mace, curry powder, spice oils, and oleoresins dominate, collectively constituting around 76 per cent of total production.

Noteworthy spice-producing states in India encompass Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.