Written by: Nadeem Anwar
Turmeric is a deep, golden-orange spice known for adding color, flavor and nutrition to foods. The name Turmeric derives from the Latin word “Terra Merita” (Meritorious Earth) referring to the color of ground Turmeric, which resembles a mineral pigment. It is known as “Yellow Root” in many languages. In many cultures its name is based on the Latin word “Curcuma”. It belongs to the ginger family as it comes from the rhizome (Root). Curcumin is a major component of turmeric and the activities of turmeric are commonly attributed to Curcuminoids (Curcumin and closely related substances)
Turmeric is an annual crop which is sown on sandy or clayey loam soil of Pakistan. Best sowing period is from Mid Mar- April and harvested in October – November. The main Turmeric producing districts are in Punjab mainly Kasur, Okara, Lahore and Sialkot. Kasur contributes around 72 % in the total Turmeric production with Curcumin substance more than 3%. On the average, 20-25 tons of rhizomes per acre are obtained. To develop the yellow color and aroma, cleaned rhizomes are first cooked in boiling water for one hour under slightly alkaline conditions. The cooked rhizomes are then dried either artificially or in the sun for 6-8 days. Drying turmeric in open field, as our most farmers do, have many risks. Physical risk risks are that turmeric may carry dust, dirt and other materials like metal or small babbles etc whereas biological hazards are microbial loads and chemical hazards are presence of pesticide particles in the field that again mix up during drying process. Dried rhizomes are finally polished to smooth their exterior and also to improve color.
Turmeric has many benefits, some of these include, soothing of digestion and burning of fats as its enzymes encourages the body to use fat for energy instead of storing. Turmeric helps immune system regulation by supporting our antibody response. It also Improves skin complexion and supports strong bones, Joint Mobility and Stiffness. Curcumin promotes healthy blood pressure levels and fights brain aging. A strong anti-inflammatory like turmeric can help protect sensitive eye tissues and promote vision health while functioning as a prebiotic food source which may help muscles recover from physical exertion. Turmeric is a powerful polyphenol and its curcuminoids can quell some of the damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that can wreak havoc on our cells. Curcuminoids ability to neutralize free radicals is directly tied to its usefulness in improving wellness and detoxification. Curcumin content in Turmeric supports the calming of inflammation in the airways of the respiratory system with antioxidant elements. It also promotes beneficial gut bacteria.
Pakistani industrialists are working shoulder to shoulder with our farmers to enhance the crop production and its value addition. Latest technology processing plants are being imported and installed in different parts of the country. In the recent past a state of the art agri processing plant has been set up in Dera Ismail Khan with a capacity of more than 50 tonnes per day. This plant meets all the international food processing parameters. Hunt for new consumer markets is also on the rise. Our Industrialists are participating in different international expo in Dubai, Europe and America. Pakistani turmeric is competing very well with Indian and Bangladeshi products. International consumer confidence is also growing in Pakistani products.
Few initiatives at government level which can assist in Turmeric crop production and employment opportunities include crop support price should be announced keeping in view the price hike. Encourage R&D with a focus to develop varieties which have high yield with high Curcumin content. Easy agriculture loans with minimal mark up. Government can encourage farmers to install subsidised solar panels at their tube-wells for environment friendly energy. Black marketing and hoarding of fertilizers, pesticides and seeds is being done in the country unabated. Institutions responsible for checking and monitoring should take these elements with iron hand. Most of the small land owner need Informal education so they know how to get better quality.
Turmeric demand has increased many fold at domestic and international level due to its excessive use in spices, medical herbs and cosmetics. Our farmers should focus on quality crop and industrialist to process it at world class facilities and produce quality turmeric powder that contains 3% and above Curcumin contents. Since this is legal requirement of Federal Standard and Regularity body PSQCA. Pakistan has to compete India in international market for its turmeric export so all international certifications must be obtained according to laid down parameters with cost affordability if we want to make Pakistan biggest turmeric exporter.
Writter Nadeem Anwar is a research scholar of Punjab University who contributes regularly on current affairs and economy.
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