It is necessary to recommend new and short-duration turmeric varieties, adopt improved cultivation methods (such as broad bed furrow system and single-bud planting), use shade nets, implement integrated nutrient management (including organic fertilizers, water-soluble fertilizers, and micronutrients), integrated pest management, intercultural operations, and water management (like drip irrigation), and promote organic turmeric cultivation. Additionally, incorporating turmeric as an intercrop in new orchards and horticultural systems should be explored.
Technological recommendations from various national-level turmeric research institutions should be studied by agricultural universities to ensure their suitability under the state’s climatic conditions. It is also proposed to provide land on a lease/rental basis on the fallow land of agricultural universities for turmeric cultivation and setting up processing industries.
Furthermore, it is proposed to work on turmeric development through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects involving private turmeric research institutions and related government/public organizations.
With mutual cooperation between Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and agricultural universities, it is proposed to establish a unit for tissue culture and radiation technology facilities developed by BARC, Trombay, Mumbai. Research is also proposed through agricultural universities to develop technologies for producing various food-grade natural dyes from turmeric, aiming to promote the development of natural color industries based on turmeric.
To help turmeric farmers reduce cultivation costs and significantly increase their income, agricultural universities need to provide specific recommendations. It is essential that field officers and staff possess up-to-date knowledge and skills regarding ideal turmeric cultivation methods (GAP), turmeric processing, marketing, branding, etc. Unless these personnel are adequately trained, turmeric growers will remain unaware of the latest technologies. Therefore, capacity building of these stakeholders is proposed under the turmeric policy.
Agricultural universities in the state should evaluate the feasibility of implementing the recommended and developed technologies from national-level turmeric research institutions/universities. These technologies include improved cultivation methods, shade nets, integrated nutrient management (organic fertilizers, water-soluble fertilizers, micronutrients), integrated pest management, intercultural operations, water management (drip irrigation), organic turmeric farming, various turmeric-based products and their processing methods, etc. The universities should then enter into necessary agreements with the Department of Horticulture, turmeric farmers, processors, and entrepreneurs to ensure effective dissemination of these technologies across the state.
It is also proposed that agricultural universities establish nurseries and tissue culture laboratories to ensure the availability of improved varieties and seedlings to farmers. Additionally, facilities for curcumin extraction, ICT-based information technology systems for pest and disease forecasting, the use of mobile apps (Krishi apps) for turmeric production-related information, and labs for testing pesticide residues, curcumin levels, heavy metals, microorganisms, and nutrients—as well as tissue, leaf, and stem analysis—should be developed. To enhance the shelf life of turmeric, radiation facilities should be created.
Moreover, it is essential to study the impact of climate change on rainfall patterns, crop seasons, crop growth, and productivity. Accordingly, it is proposed to strengthen the existing infrastructure at agricultural universities and create new facilities as needed for research and development in these areas.
