Meghalaya has launched Mission Golden Spice: Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Value Chain Enhancement Project, marking a major step towards establishing the state as a global centre for premium, organic and GI-tagged Lakadong turmeric.

Launched at Sanchar Bhavan in New Delhi, the initiative aims to transform Meghalaya’s agricultural sector by moving farmers from traditional commodity production towards a value-driven, entrepreneurship-led ecosystem. Through a Community-Public-Private Partnership (CPPP) model, the project focuses on strengthening processing capabilities, improving market access and enabling farmers, particularly women, to participate across the value chain.

Addressing the gathering, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDONER), highlighted the project as a significant milestone in Meghalaya’s agricultural transformation. The initiative involves a collaborative investment of Rs 1.75 billion aimed at doubling farmer remuneration and expanding Lakadong turmeric cultivation by 2030.

The mission is expected to support more than 17,500 growers, with 99 per cent participation from women farmers. Highlighting Lakadong turmeric’s high curcumin content of 7 to 12 per cent, Scindia said the crop has the potential to establish Meghalaya as a global destination for premium turmeric production.

Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, said the state is adopting an end-to-end ecosystem approach for Lakadong turmeric through a mission-mode programme. He highlighted the importance of technology, financial support and value addition in improving farmer livelihoods and strengthening agricultural enterprises.

The five-year mission from 2026-2030 involves a total project cost of Rs 1.7545 billion and aims to benefit over 17,500 farming households across West and East Jaintia Hills. The project will expand Lakadong turmeric cultivation by an additional 7,000 hectares, increasing the total cultivation area to 9,581 hectares and raising production to nearly 60,000 MT by 2030.

The initiative is designed to increase farmer earnings from approximately Rs 40/kg to Rs 83.70/kg through improved processing, branding and market linkages. A Rs 416.9 million integrated organic turmeric processing and curcumin extraction facility will also be established in West Jaintia Hills. The facility will have the capacity to process 7,000 MT of fresh turmeric annually and produce curcumin extracts, oleoresins and premium turmeric powder.

The project will also support the development of 28 integrated FPO packhouses and 28 cluster warehouses, along with Rs 350 million assistance for planting material.

The initiative represents a Centre-State collaboration involving MDONER, the North Eastern Council (NEC), the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and the Government of Meghalaya. MDONER and NEC will contribute Rs 876.2 million towards physical infrastructure development, with MDONER already sanctioning Rs 432.4 million for Phase 1.

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare will provide Rs 581 million for production enhancement and organic certification, while the Government of Meghalaya will contribute Rs 297.3 million towards branding, FPO working capital and blockchain-based traceability systems for GI protection and export development.

Timothy D. Shira, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Meghalaya, said the mission aims to transform GI-tagged Lakadong turmeric into a globally competitive, export-oriented and women-led enterprise. The initiative is expected to expand cultivation, benefit farmers and generate additional livelihood opportunities.

Dr Vijay Kumar D, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, highlighted the importance of the integrated value chain approach and acknowledged the role of women farmers in strengthening the state’s agricultural ecosystem.

The launch event also featured the screening of a short film on Mission Lakadong Turmeric and an interaction with farmers from Meghalaya. Padma Shri awardee Trinity Saioo and farmer entrepreneur Jhanika Siangshai shared their experiences on how value-added agricultural initiatives are creating opportunities for rural communities.

With Mission Golden Spice, Meghalaya aims to strengthen its position in global spice markets while promoting community-led growth, women entrepreneurship and sustainable agricultural development.