Mission Golden Spice:
The Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) launched the Mission Golden Spice.
- Mission Golden Spice is an integrated Lakadong Turmeric Value Chain Enhancement Project.
- It is a convergence-led initiative for turmeric cultivation and value-chain development in the State of Meghalaya.
- Time Period: Five-year roadmap (2025–2030)
- It is to be implemented in two phases namely Value Chain Strengthening (Phase 1) followed by Expansion & Scale-up (Phase 2).
- It is anchored by MDoNER and the North Eastern Council (NEC).
- The Mission builds upon convergence with schemes and interventions of the Ministries of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Food Processing Industries and Commerce, along with APEDA, the Spices Board, the National Turmeric Board, ICAR, MeitY, NABARD, SFAC and the Government of Meghalaya.
Lakadong Turmeric:
- It is mainly cultivated in the Lakadong area of Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.
- It is distinguished by its remarkable curcumin content, ranging from 7 to 12%
- It is darker in colour and is grown organically without the use of fertilisers.
- It has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2024.
- It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.
