NIRCA's vision for turmeric-based rural livelihoods in Andhra

Time of India

31-05-2025

Representative image
RAJAHMUNDRY: India's turmeric cultivation for the 2023–24 season spanned 3.05 lakh hectares with an annual production of 10.54 lakh tonnes, yielding a productivity of 3,656 kg per hectare (ANGRAU- Crop Outlook, 2023–24).
In
Andhra Pradesh
, turmeric cultivation played a vital role in the livelihoods of many small and marginal farmers, especially in districts like ASR, Krishna, YSR, Bapatla, Guntur, etc.
In AP, turmeric was grown on 22.37 thousand hectares with an annual production of 38.03 thousand tonnes, and a productivity of 1.7 MT/ha during 2023–24. Reports said that production during 2023–24 was 11.05 thousand hectares less compared to 2022–23 (33.42 thousand hectares).
According to Dr M Seshu Madhav, Director, ICAR–NIRCA, Rajahmundry, turmeric cultivated in the major turmeric-growing area of AP, i.e., Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district - a tribal region - was recognized for its exceptional quality, with curcumin levels ranging from 5.8–6 and a distinctive, pleasant fragrance, as the crop thrived well in cooler climates. In ASR district, farmers continued to cultivate traditional turmeric varieties which, despite their rich aroma and high curcumin content, typically produced lower yields compared to improved varieties.
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Seed availability was mostly limited to exchanges among farmers, restricting access to superior planting material. As per conventional practice, turmeric was often grown as a two-year crop.
In this direction, the institute planned a few key steps to support turmeric farmers and enhance crop performance. These included supporting value addition and improving marketability. The institute aimed to conduct post-harvest processing training for turmeric farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
This training would focus on key aspects such as proper harvesting techniques, curing, drying methods, polishing, and storage practices to preserve curcumin content and aroma.
Emphasis was to be placed on hygienic handling, the use of improved processing equipment, and techniques to reduce post-harvest losses. By equipping farmers with knowledge of best post-harvest practices, the institute aimed to enhance product quality, fetch better prices in the market, and open opportunities for branding and export.
The region was predominantly known for its organic or natural farming practices in turmeric cultivation. At present, both individual farmers and FPOs collected and sold raw turmeric produce without any form of certification, which limited their ability to access premium markets or negotiate better prices. To address this gap, the institute planned to introduce a certification system that included scientific analysis of turmeric quality — such as curcumin content, aroma, and purity.
By providing certified quality assurance by the institute or obtaining third-party organic certification, the institute aimed to build trust with buyers and enable farmers and FPOs to bargain more effectively in the market, potentially accessing higher-value segments including exports, organic, and pharmaceutical markets. This initiative was expected to enhance transparency and credibility and add value to the traditional turmeric cultivated in the region.
A few FPOs in the region were already equipped with post-harvest processing machinery and retail outlets, enabling them to carry out basic value addition. However, these efforts often fell short of reaching larger markets due to limited marketing networks and lack of direct access to bulk buyers. To bridge this gap, the institute actively supported these FPOs by facilitating market linkages with major buyers, including spice companies, exporters, and retail chains.
The institute already operated NIRCA'S NEST, an established outlet that showcased and sold value-added products — the major among them being turmeric-based items.
Building on this outlet, the institute planned to directly procure turmeric produce from farmers and FPOs to develop a wider range of value-added products such as turmeric powder, capsules, soaps, and wellness products. This initiative aimed to ensure that farmers received fair prices and promoted the unique qualities of turmeric grown in the region, especially its high curcumin content and natural cultivation practices.
Through branding, packaging, and strategic marketing under the NIRCA'S NEST label, the institute aimed to create strong regional identity and demand for local turmeric in both domestic and international markets.
The institute was also diligently exploring the acquisition of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the indigenous turmeric landraces cultivated in the region. This initiative stemmed from the recognition of the exceptional qualities of these local varieties, which were deeply rooted in the region's unique agro-climatic conditions, organic farming methods, and long-standing cultural practices. The GI tag would serve as a formal acknowledgment of the distinctiveness and authenticity of these landraces, protect the farmers from commercial exploitation, ensure fair market value, and promote regional identity on both national and international levels.