Lakadong Turmeric Secures Prestigious GI Tag from Meghalaya

9 Dec (VNI) : In a landmark celebration of Meghalaya's cultural and agricultural legacy, the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag has been conferred upon Lakadong turmeric. This emphasizes and safeguards its unique qualities and geographical origin, ensuring the preservation of authenticity and empowerment of local communities.

Lakadong Turmeric: Unveiling the Golden Treasure of Meghalaya

Lakadong Turmeric: Key Characteristics

Origin: A specific variety grown in the Lakadong area of Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.
Color and Curcumin Content: Distinguished by its darker hue, Lakadong Turmeric boasts an exceptionally high curcumin content ranging from 6.8% to 7.5%. This surpasses the typical 2-5% found in regular turmeric varieties.
Organic Cultivation: Grown organically without the use of fertilizers, ensuring purity and quality.
Lakadong Turmeric: Recognition and Significance

Padma Shri Recognition: Farmer Trinity Saioo, a driving force behind Lakadong Turmeric cultivation, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2021 for her commitment to encouraging farmers in the state.
Boosting Competitiveness: The GI tag is poised to enhance the competitiveness of Lakadong farmers in both domestic and international markets.
Access to Authentic Product: Consumers will now have access to the authentic Lakadong Turmeric, renowned for its unique characteristics.
Better Market Prices: The recognition is expected to provide farmers with better market prices, acknowledging the distinctiveness of their produce.

Impact on Lakadong Farmers and Beyond

The GI tag is a testament to Meghalaya's rich cultural and agricultural diversity. It not only safeguards the identity of Lakadong Turmeric but also promises economic benefits for the farmers involved. The recognition will facilitate a direct link between producers and consumers, ensuring the authenticity of these prized products.

Connection to Medicinal Properties of Turmeric

Turmeric, celebrated for its medicinal properties, contains bioactive compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Though curcumin constitutes only 1-6% of turmeric's weight, supplements with higher curcumin content, often paired with piperine from black pepper for absorption, prove more effective. Curcumin's benefits extend to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities, potential cancer prevention, heart disease risk reduction, Alzheimer's treatment potential, arthritis relief, and promising results against depression. However, further human studies are vital to affirm these findings and explore curcumin's full therapeutic potential.

 

Meghalaya's Geographical Indication (GI) tag now covers Lakadong Turmeric, Garo Dakmanda, the traditional dress, Larnai pottery,and Garo Chubitchi, the alcoholic beverage. Beyond celebrating cultural heritage, it safeguards authenticity and regional significance. In a world prioritizing authenticity, Meghalaya's GI-tagged treasures promise contributions to well-being, sustainable agriculture, economic growth, and global appreciation of the state's rich heritage.