The Government of Meghalaya has launched Mission Golden Spice, a ₹175.45-crore initiative to promote GI-tagged Lakadong Turmeric through expanded cultivation, value addition, processing and exports.

About Lakadong Turmeric

• Lakadong Turmeric is a premium variety of turmeric grown mainly in the West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. 
• The Lakadong variety is indigenous to the Meghalaya region of Northeast region.
• Renowned for its exceptionally high curcumin content, it is increasingly gaining recognition in global health, food and nutraceutical markets. 
  • It has a curcumin content of 7–10%, compared to 2–3% in ordinary turmeric.
  • Curcumin is the natural compound responsible for turmeric’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and medicinal properties.
• Its rich golden colour and distinctive aroma are the result of Meghalaya’s unique soil and climate.
• It has received the GI Tag, recognising its unique geographical origin and quality.

Key Highlights

• Mission Golden Spice has been jointly launched by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and the Government of Meghalaya.
• It is a five-year mission (2025–2030) with an outlay of ₹175.45 crore.
• It will be implemented in two phases—Value Chain Strengthening followed by Expansion and Scale-up.
• The project aims to expand the cultivation area from 2,500 hectares to 7,500 hectares by 2030.
• The target is to raise annual production to 49,400 metric tonnes.
• The initiative seeks to create a ₹100-crore local value-chain economy by 2028–29.
• More than 17,500 tribal farming families, particularly women, are expected to benefit.
• The project will also generate around 3,000 secondary employment opportunities.
• It seeks to increase farmers’ income from ₹30–40 per kg to nearly ₹80 per kg.
• The mission will establish the Northeast’s largest integrated organic turmeric processing and curcumin extraction facility.

Why is the Mission Important?

• It promotes value addition through processing and curcumin extraction instead of selling raw produce.
• It strengthens women-led development by creating livelihood opportunities in cultivation and processing.
• It enhances farmers’ income through better market access and exports.
• It supports the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) by promoting organic farming, processing and market linkages.
• It contributes to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging indigenous products with global export potential.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Q. With reference to Lakadong Turmeric, consider the following statements:

1. It is primarily cultivated in the West and East Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.
2. It contains a significantly higher percentage of curcumin than ordinary turmeric.
3. Mission Golden Spice aims to promote its cultivation, value addition and exports.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 ✅
(d) 1 and 3 only

One-line Wrap

Lakadong Turmeric showcases how a traditional, GI-tagged agricultural product can drive sustainable farming, women’s empowerment and export-led economic growth in Northeast India.