Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Bihar's Turmeric Action Plan Aims to Boost Farmer Incomes
A new plan for Bihar wants to help farmers grow more turmeric, which is a special spice.
They have created two new types of turmeric that grow a lot more than the old kinds.
These new types have more of the good stuff in turmeric that makes it special.
Bihar wants to make sure their turmeric is known for being really good, so they can sell it for more money.
They also want to help farmers work together and make more things from turmeric, like oil from the leaves.
This will help farmers earn more money and create more jobs in Bihar.
Bihar aims to boost farmer incomes and become a major player in India's turmeric economy through a comprehensive action plan.
Two high-yielding turmeric varieties, Rajendra Sonia and Rajendra Sonalika, have been developed with yields of 40-55 tonnes per hectare.
These varieties contain 7-8.4% curcumin, higher than the GI-tagged Lakadong variety, and could command premium pricing.
Bihar currently has a small share (0.25%) of national turmeric production, with Samastipur being the largest producing district.
The action plan includes strengthening farmer producer organizations, setting up processing units, and creating a marketing federation for non-dairy commodities.
- Who
- Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) and Bihar state government
- What
- Development of a comprehensive turmeric action plan to boost farmer incomes and position Bihar as a competitive force in India's turmeric economy
- When
- Policy paper released recently (exact date not specified, but published on December 31, 2025)
- Where
- Bihar, India, with Samastipur as the envisioned hub
- Why
- To raise farmer incomes, create employment, and support agro-based industries, while leveraging turmeric's potential in domestic and export markets
- Turmeric Varieties Developed
- Rajendra Sonia and Rajendra Sonalika
- Yield Potential
- 40-55 tonnes per hectare
- Curcumin Content
- 7-8.4%
- Bihar's Turmeric Share
- 0.25% of national production
- Samastipur's Turmeric Production
- 1.56 thousand tonnes in 2022-23
- Samastipur's Share in Bihar
- 55% of state's output
- Average Productivity in Samastipur
- 1.01 tonne per hectare
- GI Status Pursued
- Yes