Mission Golden Spice for Lakadong Turmeric

Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma launched Mission Golden Spice – Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Value Chain Enhancement Project in New Delhi on 21 July 2026. The project is a five-year initiative from 2026 to 2030 with a financial outlay of Rs. 175.45 crore.

Lakadong Turmeric and Geographical Indication

Lakadong turmeric is a turmeric variety from Meghalaya that is known for its high curcumin content. Its curcumin level ranges from 7% to 12%, while the global average for turmeric is about 2% to 4%. The crop is described as a GI-tagged product, which places it in the category of geographically linked agricultural goods under Indian intellectual property law.

Project Targets and Value Chain Development

The mission aims to expand the cultivation area from about 2,500 hectares to 7,000 hectares by 2030. It also targets annual production of 49,400 metric tonnes and an increase in farm-gate income from Rs. 30-40 per kilogram to about Rs. 80 per kilogram. The project plans to benefit more than 17,500 farmers, with 99% of them being women, mainly in the West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills districts. The initiative also seeks to create around 3,000 jobs and build a Rs. 100-crore local value-chain economy by fiscal year 2028-29. The project includes activities such as cultivation expansion, processing, branding, and market linkage for turmeric-based products.

Funding Pattern and Export Markets

The mission is funded through a partnership involving the Meghalaya state government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and the DoNER Ministry. The DoNER Ministry contributes 50% of the funding. The project also targets export markets in the United States, the European Union, Japan, and the Gulf region.

Important Facts for Exams

• Turmeric belongs to the genus Curcuma and is a rhizome crop used as a spice, dye, and medicinal plant.
• Curcumin is the principal bioactive compound in turmeric and is used as a marker for quality assessment.
• Geographical Indication tags in India are governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• Meghalaya is one of the eight North Eastern states of India and has major turmeric cultivation in the Jaintia Hills region.

Export and Branding Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased Lakadong turmeric at the G7 summit, which placed the crop in an international forum. Lakadong turmeric is being positioned as Meghalaya’s flagship export product under the mission.