Turmeric is a key ingredient in any Indian cuisine. This golden spice has a rich history of approximately 5000 years back. 

In Northeast India people even call it a miracle spice due to its wide popularity and health benefits. Lakadong Turmeric is special turmeric found in the Meghalaya with medicinal properties. In ayurvedic medicine, the spice is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, anti-depressant properties and is also vital for Alzheimer’s Disease prevention.  

Lakadong Turmeric is a special turmeric variety from a place called ‘Lakadong’, in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Unlike other turmeric varieties, the curcumin content present in Lakadong turmeric is 7 to 9% (tested in 2019) which is one of the highest, as against 2 to 3% in regular turmeric.

A group of women farmers from Lumuriap village West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, are cultivating Lakadong Turmeric for the source of sustenance. The farmers in the absence of necessary capital were losing interest to continue this income source.

Jaintia Hills Development Society (JHDS), a Caritas India partner under the FARM programme took the initiative and helped the group to learn improved scientific methods cultivation of Lakadong Turmeric. The society with the support of Caritas India and Misereor Germany facilitated the 13 member women’s group to cultivate and process Lakadong for income generation under the FARM programme

JHDS encouraged this group in the year 2019 by equipping them with the value addition of the product by supporting them with a grinder, solar-powered drier and also provided technical expertise on the cultivation of Lakadong with the help of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Meghalaya.

The women’s group showed positive results and cultivated 5,000 quintals of Lakadong in 2 acres of land in the year 2021 which was dried in the solar-powered drier. As of date, the group has been able to sell approximately 70 kg of Lakadong powder for Rs 300 per kg. The group earning has increased from Rs 1,50,000 in the year 2020 to a staggering Rs 2,70,000 to date. The profits are equally divided among the members and the members are utilizing the amount in meeting their needs which were otherwise not possible.

The global pandemic has slowed down the process but couldn’t dampen the spirit of the group and they continued working in their fields with whatever little they could. “Earning the way, it has given us confidence as we can afford things now which were otherwise not possible”, said Ms. Merita Dhar, a group member.

For Caritas India, this could be regarded as a tribute on Women’s day to the Women whose conviction and perseverance helped them to wear a smile of immense satisfaction.