Mission Golden Spice: How Lakadong Turmeric Is Set To Become A Global Luxury Brand
India has taken a significant step towards promoting one of its finest agricultural products with the launch of Mission Golden Spice . The ambitious initiative aims to transform Lakadong turmeric , a prized spice from Meghalaya, into a globally recognised luxury spice brand while creating better opportunities for local farmers.
Announced by the Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), the mission focuses on improving every stage of the Lakadong turmeric value chain, from cultivation and processing to branding and exports. The government has allocated ₹175.45 crore for the project, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the global appeal of GI tagged turmeric from India.
The project will be carried out over a five-year roadmap from 2025 to 2030 in two phases.
The first phase will focus on strengthening the existing value chain, improving infrastructure and expanding cultivation. The second phase will concentrate on promoting Meghalaya's unique identity and positioning Lakadong turmeric as a premium global product.
Also Read: How to Identify Fake Saffron and Make Sure You're Buying the Real Spice
The mission also plans to expand the cultivation area from nearly 2,500 hectares to 7,500 hectares, creating greater production capacity while ensuring sustainable farming practices.
Several organisations, including the Ministries of Agriculture, Food Processing Industries and Commerce, along with APEDA, the Spices Board, the National Turmeric Board, ICAR, MeitY, NABARD and SFAC, will jointly support the initiative.
Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, making Lakadong turmeric benefits highly valued in both the food and wellness sectors.
The spice received the prestigious GI tag in 2024, further strengthening its identity and authenticity. It is naturally darker in colour and is cultivated using organic farming methods without chemical fertilisers. Meghalaya's acidic, iron-rich soil and favourable climate contribute to its distinctive quality and flavour.
Also Read: 8 Everyday Spices with Amazing Health Benefits You Should Know
Announced by the Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), the mission focuses on improving every stage of the Lakadong turmeric value chain, from cultivation and processing to branding and exports. The government has allocated ₹175.45 crore for the project, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the global appeal of GI tagged turmeric from India.
What Is Mission Golden Spice?
Mission Golden Spice is an Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Value Chain Enhancement Project designed to strengthen turmeric cultivation across Meghalaya. The initiative brings together multiple government departments and organisations to improve production, quality, processing, marketing and export potential.The project will be carried out over a five-year roadmap from 2025 to 2030 in two phases.
The first phase will focus on strengthening the existing value chain, improving infrastructure and expanding cultivation. The second phase will concentrate on promoting Meghalaya's unique identity and positioning Lakadong turmeric as a premium global product.
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Also Read: How to Identify Fake Saffron and Make Sure You're Buying the Real Spice
Aiming To Boost Farmers' Income
One of the key objectives of Mission Golden Spice is to improve the livelihoods of farmers cultivating Meghalaya turmeric . The government aims to nearly double farmers' earnings from around ₹30 to ₹40 per kilogram to approximately ₹80 per kilogram by 2030.The mission also plans to expand the cultivation area from nearly 2,500 hectares to 7,500 hectares, creating greater production capacity while ensuring sustainable farming practices.
Several organisations, including the Ministries of Agriculture, Food Processing Industries and Commerce, along with APEDA, the Spices Board, the National Turmeric Board, ICAR, MeitY, NABARD and SFAC, will jointly support the initiative.
Why Is Lakadong Turmeric So Special?
Lakadong turmeric is grown in the Lakadong region of the Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya and is widely regarded as one of the finest turmeric varieties in the world. Its biggest strength lies in its exceptionally high curcumin content, ranging from 7 to 12 per cent, which is almost four times higher than the global average.Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, making Lakadong turmeric benefits highly valued in both the food and wellness sectors.
The spice received the prestigious GI tag in 2024, further strengthening its identity and authenticity. It is naturally darker in colour and is cultivated using organic farming methods without chemical fertilisers. Meghalaya's acidic, iron-rich soil and favourable climate contribute to its distinctive quality and flavour.
Also Read: 8 Everyday Spices with Amazing Health Benefits You Should Know
A New Global Opportunity
With Mission Golden Spice, India is not only promoting a premium agricultural product but also creating new economic opportunities for farmers in the North East. By focusing on quality, branding and exports, the initiative seeks to establish Lakadong turmeric as a globally recognised luxury spice while preserving the region's rich agricultural heritage.
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