The Threat to Meghalaya's Golden Spice: Lakadong Turmeric

Lakadong Turmeric: Meghalaya’s Golden Spice Under Climate Threat

1. What is Lakadong Turmeric and Where is it Grown?

Lakadong turmeric is a unique, high-curcumin variety (7–9%) cultivated mainly in the Laskein block of West Jaintia Hills district in Meghalaya. It is globally prized for its deep golden colour, rich aroma, and potent medicinal properties, making it one of India’s most valuable turmeric types.

2. Why is Lakadong Turmeric Under Threat?

The region ranks among the top ten most climate-vulnerable areas in Meghalaya. Unpredictable rainfall, soil degradation, rising pest attacks, and extreme weather events are severely affecting turmeric production and farmer livelihoods.

3. What Climate Symptoms Are Farmers Observing?

Local farmers report visible impacts such as:

• Reduced yields and smaller rhizomes
• Increased pest and disease attacks (rhizome rot, leaf blight)
• Irregular and erratic rainfall patterns
• Soil exhaustion due to prolonged stress and monocropping

4. How Many Farmers Depend on This Crop?

Over 14,000 farmers across 43 villages are engaged in Lakadong turmeric cultivation, covering more than 1,700 hectares of farmland in the Jaintia Hills region.

5. Has Lakadong Turmeric Been Recognised Officially?

Yes. In 2023, Lakadong turmeric received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag under the “Mission Lakadong” initiative — aimed at promoting branding, exports, and improving farmer incomes.

6. What is the Government’s Response?

The Meghalaya government is implementing climate-smart agricultural strategies, including:

• Water harvesting and irrigation systems
• Pest- and disease-resistant seed varieties
• Organic soil enrichment techniques
• Climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices

7. What Solutions Are Being Proposed?

Experts and agricultural researchers emphasize the need for:

• Climate-resilient and high-yielding crop varieties
• Agro-ecological and organic farming methods
• Soil conservation and organic manure use
• Disease surveillance and early warning systems
• Farmer training and community-based adaptation models

8. What Happens if Production Declines?

A decline in Lakadong turmeric production could severely affect rural livelihoods, export earnings, and food security. Since turmeric is a primary income source for thousands of farmers, reduced output may also impact India’s position in the global spice market.

9. What Needs Urgent Attention?

Experts call for coordinated action among policymakers, research institutions, and farmer cooperatives to stabilise production, enhance resilience, and protect heritage crops like Lakadong turmeric from climate-related risks.