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Centre launches 'Mission Golden Spice' for Meghalaya's Lakadong Turmeric

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy

Government Policies and InterventionsAgricultureFood ProcessingEconomy

Why in news

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launched 'Mission Golden Spice' for Meghalaya's GI-tagged Lakadong turmeric. The mission aims to develop it as a global premium spice brand, aligning with PM Modi's 'Aatmanirbhar North East' vision.

Background

Lakadong turmeric from Meghalaya has curcumin content of 7-10%, nearly four times the global average. Despite its high quality, farmers faced limited income due to inadequate processing, poor infrastructure, weak market linkages, and lack of value addition.

Key facts

in5points

  1. Mission Golden Spice is a ₹175.45 crore integrated initiative for turmeric cultivation and value chain development in Meghalaya.

  2. The mission is implemented over five years (2025-2030) in two phases: Phase I strengthens the value chain; Phase II focuses on expansion and scaling.

  3. Led by Ministry of DoNER and North Eastern Council (NEC), it coordinates with Agriculture Ministry, Food Processing Ministry, APEDA, Spices Board, National Turmeric Board, ICAR, MeitY, NABARD, SFAC, and Meghalaya government.

  4. Lakadong turmeric has curcumin content of 7-10%, about four times the world average, and is GI-tagged.

  5. PM Modi recently showcased Lakadong turmeric at the G7 summit, generating global interest.

  6. The mission addresses post-harvest losses, lack of cold chain infrastructure, absence of commercial-scale processing, weak branding, and lack of structured GI monetization.

  7. Women play a significant role in turmeric production and processing in Meghalaya.

  8. The mission is part of PM Modi's 'Ashtalakshmi' vision for the eight North Eastern states.

  9. Each NE state has a defined Unique Selling Proposition (USP) promoted through a bottom-up approach.

Prelims pointers

  • Mission Golden Spice
  • Lakadong turmeric
  • GI tag
  • Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER)
  • North Eastern Council (NEC)
  • APEDA
  • Spices Board
  • National Turmeric Board
  • ICAR
  • NABARD

Mains angles

  • Discuss the significance of GI-tagged products for regional development and farmer income, with reference to Lakadong turmeric.
  • Examine the role of mission-mode projects in addressing value chain gaps in agriculture, especially in North East India.
  • Analyze the potential of 'Brand North East' in promoting exports and achieving Aatmanirbhar Bharat.