Black turmeric emerges as a new high-value crop after coffee success in Koraput

After earning national recognition for its coffee, the Koraput district is now set to make a foray into the spice and medicinal crop market with the introduction of black turmeric. For the first time in the district, black turmeric is being cultivated on a pilot basis, capitalising on the region’s favourable climate and soil conditions.

Pilot Project Shows Promising Growth

The experimental cultivation was initiated this year with support from the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT). Through the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), 50 kg of black turmeric seed was provided to woman farmer Lakshmi Nayak of Adamunda village in Dasamantapur block.

The crop was planted in June using organic farming practices and has shown healthy growth so far. Harvesting is expected in March, and early field inspections have raised hopes of a good yield.

Sharing her experience, Lakshmi Nayak said she agreed to try black turmeric cultivation after being informed about its medicinal value, despite having no prior exposure to the crop. “We were given around 50 kg of seed, and the crop has grown very well. The actual price will be known only after it reaches the market, though estimates range from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per kg,” she said.

First-Time Cultivation in the Area

Lakshmi Nayak’s son, Ramesh Nayak, said black turmeric had never been cultivated earlier in their area. He noted that while the family regularly grows crops and vegetables, their land proved highly suitable for black turmeric. He added that considerable effort had gone into nurturing the crop and that several people, including media representatives, were visiting the fields to understand the cultivation process.

High Market Value Draws Attention

Black turmeric is valued for its strong medicinal properties and is widely used in pharmaceutical and traditional medicine. Unlike conventional turmeric, which fetches Rs 100 to Rs 200 per kg, black turmeric commands a much higher market price, ranging between Rs 1,200 and Rs 2,000 per kg. The significant price difference has already drawn the attention of pharmaceutical companies, with representatives visiting the cultivation sites.

Favourable Agro-Climatic Conditions

Sudam Biswal of the District Horticulture Department said OUAT selected the Dasamantapur block due to its unique agro-climatic conditions, including good rainfall, high organic content in the soil, and cooler temperatures, all of which are conducive to black turmeric cultivation.

Scope for Expansion and Farmer Prosperity

District Collector Manoj Satyaban Mahajan said black turmeric cultivation has been introduced as a pilot project this year, and that plans are in place to expand it on a larger scale based on its success. Officials believe the crop has the potential to significantly enhance farmers’ income while positioning Koraput as a hub for high-value medicinal crops.

With its strong economic potential and health benefits, black turmeric from Koraput is expected to replicate the district’s coffee success story and open new market opportunities.