What happened
The Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, and the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, launched Mission Golden Spice – Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Value Chain Enhancement Project. The project is a ₹175.45-crore convergence-led initiative for turmeric cultivation and value-chain development in Meghalaya.
The Mission is planned as a phased five-year roadmap for 2025–2030. It will run in two phases: Value Chain Strengthening in Phase 1 and Expansion & Scale-up in Phase 2.
Why Lakadong turmeric matters
Lakadong turmeric is Meghalaya’s GI-tagged product and the state’s identified USP. The release says the crop has 7–10% curcumin content, distinctive aroma, and nutraceutical potential. The Union Minister said Lakadong turmeric has curcumin content nearly four times the world average.
The central problem is not production alone. Meghalaya’s smallholder growers still realise limited income because of inadequate processing, weak market linkage, insufficient infrastructure, and low levels of high-value addition.
Related current affairs
- Piyush Goyal’s Singapore engagements strengthen India-Singapore economic partnership
- Piyush Goyal visits Singapore for 4th India-Singapore Ministerial and Business Roundtables
- Shakti Ki Saptadhara: Agriculture and Rural Development departments organise commitment program with stakeholders
- Meghalaya tribal body seeks protection of farmers’ rights
- NCOL markets certified organic products under Bharat Organics; NPOP benchmarks and compliance
- Meghalaya’s district council okays amendments to bar non-tribals from poll process