Assam: Soon, a dehumidifier test that will boost turmeric market

GUWAHATI: A dehumidifier-based dehydration technology will soon be tested for the first time in the northeast, in an effort to take Assam turmeric to global markets. Guwahati-based Horticultural Research Station (HRS) under the Assam Agricultural University will conduct the experiment.

The introduction of technology to process raw turmeric is aimed at fulfilling the quality needs of the global spice markets.

India is the largest producer and consumer of raw turmeric, accounting for more than 78% of global production. On an average, India exports about 50,000 tonnes of turmeric a year to major export destinations, including the UAE, the US, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Japan, the UK, and Iran. During 2017-18, the export value of turmeric from India was worth Rs 1,036 crore, with some pockets from hill districts such as Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao in Assam showing good productivity.

"A proposal submitted by the HRS to the department of biotechnology of the Union ministry of science and technology under the turmeric mission for funding dehumidifier-based dehydrator has reached the final stage," said chief scientist of the HRS, Sarat Saikia. Simultaneously, another proposal has been sent to the Assam Directorate of Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes for demonstration of the proposed technology.

"At present, dry turmeric is produced by households in Assam by sun drying, after boiling and splitting it into pieces. Though this traditional process facilitates dehydration of turmeric, it has limitations in producing polished turmeric, as well as meeting some of the other quality standards of the international spice markets. On the contrary, the proposed processed flow of dehydration will include mechanical washing and cleaning of turmeric, steam cooking, dehumidifier-based dehydration, polishing, grinding and finally packaging to meet the necessary global standards," said Saikia.

He added that procurement of the new technology will open up avenues for a dry turmeric market in Assam, and would provide raw material that can then be processed into turmeric oil, oleoresin, among other items.

Turmeric is one of the major spices grown in Assam and is cultivated on more than 16,800 hectors in the state with predominant commercial cultivation pockets in Karbi Anglong, Golaghat, Lakhimpur, Nagaon and Sonitpur. Scientists said conducive soil and climatic conditions aid turmeric production in the state.

"It has long been observed that in subtropical humid Assam basin, the open air drying of turmeric is not effective, owing to high moisture of rhizome and prevalence of high humidity, coupled with low-light intensity during the harvesting period. As a result, the entire chunk of produce is sent to the market in green form. Green turmeric has limited value as the spice processors need centres around dry turmeric. Introduction of dehumidifier-based dehydration technology will help dry turmeric as a whole, and boost its market," Saikia said.