0815-1264 TCXTurmeric

Lakadong Turmeric

Commercial turmeric powder averages around 3.14% curcumin. Lakadong runs 6.8–7.5%. It received its GI tag on 30 March 2024 — the first turmeric variety from Meghalaya to do so.

7.5%

curcumin, top of range

Botanical name: Curcuma longa
Known as: Lakadong Shynrai
Origin: Lakadong, West Jaintia Hills
Harvest: November – January

A mound of finely ground turmeric powder

The story

Origin25°25′ N

LakadongWest Jaintia Hills

Meghalaya92°12′ E

Curcumin constitutes an average of 3.14% by weight of assayed commercial turmeric powder. Lakadong, grown in the Lakadong area of the Jaintia Hills, carries 6.8–7.5% — better than double, and visible in the colour long before it reaches a lab.

The crop is small and it is deliberate. Roughly 14,000 farmers across 43 villages cultivate it on 1,753 hectares. It is grown organically, without synthetic fertilisers, on hill slopes that have never been consolidated into large holdings.

Geographical Indication was granted on 30 March 2024, valid to 14 February 2031 — the first turmeric variety from Meghalaya and the third category of goods from the state to earn the tag.

[ Why here ]

LakadongWest Jaintia Hills · Meghalaya

Steep, humus-rich hill slopes in the Jaintia Hills with a long cool growing season. The rhizome develops slowly and accumulates curcuminoids instead of bulking out — small fingers, dark cut face, high assay.

Specification

GI · 30 March 2024

Valid to 14 February 2031. First turmeric variety from Meghalaya to be registered.

Measured