Archive · 31 May 2025
NIRCA Supports Andhra Farmers for Better Turmeric Livelihoods
In Andhra Pradesh, many farmers grow turmeric, a spice used in food and medicine.
The ICAR-NIRCA institute is helping these farmers.
They're teaching farmers how to properly prepare their turmeric after harvesting, making it better quality.
The institute will also help farmers get official certifications to prove their turmeric is high-quality.
This will allow them to sell it for more money and reach more customers.
The institute also plans to connect farmers with big buyers, like spice companies and exporters.
They are also working to give the local turmeric a special geographical tag to highlight its unique qualities and protect the farmers who grow it.
ICAR-NIRCA aims to support turmeric farmers in Andhra Pradesh.
Focus on post-harvest processing training for better product quality.
Implementation of a certification system to ensure quality and market access.
Connecting farmers with buyers and supporting value addition through NIRCA’s NEST.
Seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for local turmeric landraces.
- Who
- ICAR-NIRCA, farmers, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Andhra Pradesh.
- What
- NIRCA is implementing initiatives to support turmeric farmers in Andhra Pradesh through post-harvest training, certification, and market linkages.
- When
- In the 2023-24 season and ongoing.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, particularly the Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district.
- Why
- To enhance turmeric farmers' livelihoods and promote high-quality turmeric.
Farmers
Buyers
Market Access
Farmers
Farmers sell raw turmeric produce without certification, limiting access to premium markets.
Buyers
The institute's certification system would build trust with buyers, potentially enabling access to higher-value markets.
- Turmeric Production (India, 2023-24)
- 10.54 lakh tonnes
- Andhra Pradesh Turmeric Production (2023-24)
- 38.03 thousand tonnes
- AP Turmeric Cultivation Area (2023-24)
- 22.37 thousand hectares
- Curcumin Levels (ASR district turmeric)
- 5.8-6%
- Planned Initiatives
- Post-harvest training, certification, market linkages, GI tag acquisition.