From CK Nayak
NEW DELHI, Aug 13: The climate change-driven worst-ever deficient rainfall in Meghalaya has taken a toll on its famed golden-hued heritage crop Lakadong turmeric.
Recent studies by the Meghalaya Climate Change Centre identified Laskein as one of the state’s 25 blocks where this turmeric farming is facing “high” or “very high” risk from climate pressures.
According to the studies, farmers are struggling with extreme weather events such as unpredictable rainfall, poor soil health, and increased pest attacks.
Nearly 14,000 farmers across 43 villages, who grow Lakadong turmeric on about 1,753 hectares of land, are facing growing challenges from unpredictable weather.
During recent harvest, farmers noticed disfigurement of leaves and decay of roots which are symptoms of erratic weather and climate change. They reported that odd rainfall timing and increased pest problems are damaging crop quality and quantity.
Lakadong turmeric contains nearly twice the amount of curcumin found in regular turmeric and is used in food and health supplements worldwide. For thousands of families in Meghalaya, this unique crop is their main income source.
The state government recognised its value by initiating “Mission Lakadong” in 2023. The Lakadong turmeric received the geographical indications tag last year.
The weather affecting Lakadong turmeric is one example of a larger issue affecting special crops worldwide. As the weather becomes less predictable, crops that thrived in stable local climates for centuries are now facing conditions they cannot handle.
The state government is expanding its protection efforts by partnering with farm research groups that check soil health and create disease control plans. Experts suggested several ways farmers can adjust to erratic weather which includes using climate-smart farming methods, building water collection systems, supplementing natural soil nutrients, and engineering disease-fighting types of turmeric.
Incidentally, the Laskein block – a major producer of Lakadong turmeric – is among Meghalaya’s most climate-vulnerable areas.
Acknowledging concerns, the state government is initiating research to determine the extent to which climate change is impacting turmeric production, alongside other potential factors like soil nutrient depletion.
Lakadong turmeric is widely known for its high curcumin content (7-9%), exceeding that of regular turmeric (1-3%). The high curcumin content makes is valuable in both spice and medicinal markets. Specific soil and climate conditions of Meghalaya are crucial for maintaining its high curcumin levels.
A recent study found that 25 of 39 blocks in Meghalaya fall under high or very high climate vulnerability. The factors of climate change in Meghalaya are a mix of global drivers and local stressors, shaped by its unique geography, socio-economic conditions and ecological fragility.
The key climate shifts in the state are that the average annual temperature has increased by 1.2 degree Celsius over the past century.
This season, Meghalaya has the highest rain deficiency in the country at 45 per cent.