Mission Golden Spice
Why in News?
The Government launched Mission Golden Spice – Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Value Chain Enhancement Project on 21 July 2026 in New Delhi. The five-year initiative, covering 2026–2030, has a financial outlay of ₹175.45 crore. It aims to transform the value chain of Meghalaya’s high-value Lakadong Turmeric through better cultivation, processing, branding, and market access. The project was launched by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
What is Lakadong Turmeric?
Lakadong Turmeric is a premium turmeric variety associated with the Jaintia Hills region of Meghalaya. It is particularly valued for its exceptionally high curcumin content.
Key Features of Lakadong Turmeric
- Curcumin content: Around 7–12%
- Average curcumin in conventional turmeric: Around 2–4%
- Major cultivation region: Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya
- It is recognised as a Geographical Indication (GI)-linked agricultural product.
Curcumin is the principal bioactive compound responsible for turmeric’s characteristic yellow colour and many of its functional properties. Higher curcumin content increases its value in food, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and wellness markets.
Key Targets of Mission Golden Spice
The mission seeks to develop an integrated farm-to-market value chain for Lakadong Turmeric.
Major Targets by 2030
- Expand cultivation from 2,500 hectares to 7,000 hectares.
- Increase annual production to 49,400 metric tonnes.
- Raise farm-gate prices from ₹30–40/kg to around ₹80/kg.
- Benefit over 17,500 farmers.
- Around 99% of beneficiaries are expected to be women.
- Generate nearly 3,000 jobs.
- Develop a ₹100-crore local value-chain economy by FY 2028–29.
The project mainly covers West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills.
Funding and Export Potential
The project involves the DoNER Ministry, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Meghalaya Government. The Ministry of DoNER contributes 50% of the funding.
It also seeks to expand exports to markets such as the United States, European Union, Japan, and Gulf countries.
Important Facts for Exams
- Mission Golden Spice: Focuses on Lakadong Turmeric value-chain development.
- Duration: 2026–2030.
- Outlay: ₹175.45 crore.
- Lakadong Turmeric: Native to Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills region.
- Curcumin content: Around 7–12%.
- Turmeric belongs to the genus Curcuma and is a rhizome crop.
- Curcumin: Principal bioactive compound in turmeric.
- GI tags protect products whose qualities or reputation are linked to geographical origin.
- GI registration in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
- GI Registry: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
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