- INR 175 crore mission to boost production to nearly 50,000 t by 2030
- Integrated processing, curcumin extraction facility planned for value addition
The Government of India and the Government of Meghalaya have launched Mission Golden Spice — Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Value Chain Enhancement Project, a five-year initiative with an outlay of INR 175.45 crore to position Meghalaya’s GI-tagged Lakadong turmeric as a globally recognised premium spice. Launched by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the programme aims to strengthen the entire value chain — from cultivation to exports — while improving farmer incomes and enhancing India’s presence in the premium spice market.
Focus on value addition
The mission will be implemented between 2026 and 2030 in two phases. The first phase will strengthen seed quality, scientific cultivation, processing, storage, certification and traceability, followed by production expansion and market development. Lakadong turmeric cultivation is planned to increase from around 2,500 hectares to 7,000 hectares, with production projected to reach nearly 49,400 tonnes (t) by 2030. The project also includes setting up Northeast India’s largest integrated organic turmeric processing and curcumin extraction facility, enabling greater value addition within Meghalaya.
Lakadong turmeric, cultivated organically in the Jaintia Hills, is known for its naturally high curcumin content of around 6-7%, compared with 2-4% in conventional varieties. Its Geographical Indication (GI) status, granted in 2024, has further strengthened its premium positioning.
Premium markets drive demand
Global demand for high-curcumin turmeric is rising, supported by growing consumption of nutraceuticals, functional foods, pharmaceuticals and natural wellness products. Key importing markets, including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Australia and the UAE, increasingly seek turmeric with high curcumin content, traceability, organic cultivation and internationally recognised quality certifications. This trend creates opportunities for Lakadong turmeric to access premium value-added markets rather than competing in the bulk spice segment.
The initiative is expected to benefit more than 17,500 farming households, nearly 99% of them led by women, through higher productivity, improved price realisation, better market access and increased opportunities in processing and branding.
Mission Golden Spice reflects India’s strategy of shifting from volume-driven spice exports to premium, origin-based products with higher value addition. If supported by consistent quality, robust traceability, globally accepted certifications and sustained buyer engagement, Lakadong turmeric could emerge as a flagship premium Indian spice while providing a replicable model for commercialising other GI-tagged agricultural products.
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