Lakadong turmeric gets international market

SHILLONG, July 15: Meghalaya’s golden spice, Lakadong turmeric, which earned the name and fame for being the finest variety of turmeric, is now gradually finding an international market.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday informed that Chi Iung Spices Cooperative Society, Mowtyrshiah, with the assistance of 1917i Teams, exported two tonnes of Lakadong turmeric to Russia via Jaipur as part of a trial-post demand for the spice among consumers in the destination country.
Lakadong is rich in Curcumin, the key active ingredient in turmeric, a miracle compound known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and renders a bright yellow colour to the spice.
The Lakadong variety of turmeric originates from the Lakadong area of West Jaintia Hills and it is considered as one of the best varieties of turmeric in the world with Curcumin content of about 6.8 to 7.5 per cent.
Earlier, the high-value Lakadong turmeric and ginger powder from Meghalaya were also shipped to the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Meghalaya produced 16,383 metric tonnes of turmeric in 2016-17, with more than 50 per cent of the spice was grown in West Jaintia Hills.
Villages such as Sumer, Lakadong, Shangpung, Iooksi, Nongtyngkoh and Khoushnong are known for turmeric cultivation.
In a world of turmeric lattes, golden milk and our very own haldi-doodh, the demand for Lakadong turmeric is growing.
Independent brands like Zizira and Pahari Roots are also sourcing the spice from Meghalaya.