LAKADONG

A Golden Heritage

The Legacy of Lakadong Turmeric Cultivation

Lakadong Turmeric: Meghalaya’s best kept secret

Tucked in the arms of the emerald paradise of Jaintia Hills between rivers Myntang and Mynriang in Meghalaya is the quaint little village of Lakadong. A village where time relaxes and breathes the air filled with an intoxicating aroma of the finest turmeric known to man, Lakadong turmeric.

Every household nurtured the art of turmeric cultivation through generations as mothers passed the sacred knowledge to their daughters. Blessed with a fertile soil and unique microclimate, Lakadong turmeric has a special spot in the Geographic Indicator List of India.

An ancient bond between turmeric and Lakadong :

For over 6000 years, turmeric has thrived as a native plant in India valued by our
ancestors for its incredible potential. More than just a spice, it became a thread of their
culture, warding off evil spirits, gracing Indian weddings and holy rituals, and even
serving as a natural antiseptic for treating wounds. This ancient connection continues today with the Lakadong tribe. Over a century ago, these indigenous people began cultivating the golden roots from the wild for both medicinal and ceremonial purposes.
Fortunately, Lakadong’s humid and warm climate with high rainfall of about
4000-10000 mm with fertile soil made this turmeric three times more potent, producing
high curcumin content of 7 to 9% exceeding the usual 2 to 3%. This bounty brought in
high value in ayurvedic medicine with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
antidepressant properties, and the potential of preventing Alzheimer's Disease.

Recognizing this gift in their homeland, Lakadong women, for generations, have been
the guardians of the golden treasure handpicking the finest turmeric and putting it on
the global table.

The Golden Cultivation:

Adorned in traditional Jainkyrshah (the colorful Khasi aprons) with Khohs (conical
bamboo baskets) filled with their trusty Wait (hooked blade for tilling), and Moh-khiew
(traditional spade) balanced on their backs, Lakadong women weave their way to create new golden treasure in the fields.

The traditional art of cultivation reigns supreme leaving no room for toxic pesticides and fertilizers. The gently ploughed fields are sown with 3-4 rhizome seeds in each row and watering them.

First rains paint the soil dark and within a month, a miracle pops out of the ground. In
the presence of monsoon showers, Lakadong gets covered in a lush green blanket
waving in the gentle breeze.

Lakadong women at work

Lakadong turmeric being harvested

As the winter nears with fading emerald greens, the Lakadong women return to the
fields with baskets and Moh-khiews in hand in a familiar rhythm in their steps. Melodies in every field fill the air as harvest is not just a task over here but a celebration and gratitude towards earth.

Golden rhizomes with 8-10 fingers especially ‘Bei’ marks as the real reward. Harvested
bounty enjoys a thorough wash followed by exposure to the mellow winter golden sun to get dried on Shylliah (traditional bamboo mats).

In the final stage, skilled hands trim the roots, meticulously separating the seed material from those selected for processing and packaging.

The Golden Cultivation:

Meghalayan Government is dedicated to nurture the rich heritage of the land.
Collectives in the form of cooperatives, SHGs, producer groups and other participatory grass root societies are empowering the tribal communities. These initiatives not only increase the production and income of local community but also preserve a time-honored tradition. The global fame of Lakadong turmeric is the reflection of our dedication to both our heritage and this magical land.