Meghalaya's Lakadong Turmeric Showcased at G7 Summit, Aims for Global Brand Status

Once obscure, Lakadong turmeric from Meghalaya's Jaiñtia Hills has reached the global stage, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presenting the GI-registered spice at the G7 Summit. This moment signifies a decade-long effort to elevate the high-curcumin turmeric from a traditional crop to a premium agricultural product.

The state government is actively transforming Lakadong turmeric, leveraging its unique geographical cultivation conditions and exceptionally high curcumin content (7-12%). This characteristic makes it highly sought after for food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. The transformation is supported by a growing farmer base, with over 13,000 farmers involved across 124 villages, and enhanced processing infrastructure.

Government interventions have focused on strengthening the entire value chain. This includes supplying quality planting material, building farmer capacity, improving aggregation and processing, and establishing market linkages. The goal is to ensure that global recognition translates into sustained international demand, higher-value products, and better returns for the thousands of farmers cultivating this distinctive spice.