Introduction
The Bihar turmeric action plan could become a game changer for farmers and the agricultural economy of the state. According to a recently released policy paper, a well-structured and comprehensive approach to turmeric cultivation, marketing, and processing can significantly enhance farmers’ income and help Bihar emerge as a competitive player in India’s turmeric sector. The paper identifies Samastipur as the epicenter of this transformation.
Bihar Turmeric Action Plan: RPCAU’s Vision for Growth
The policy paper titled “Tapping the Potential of the Golden Spice – Turmeric in Bihar”, released by Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), strongly recommends the formulation of a state-level turmeric action plan. The document highlights the need for coordinated efforts in production, value addition, branding, and market access.
A key recommendation under the Bihar turmeric action plan is to explore Geographical Indication (GI) status for turmeric varieties grown in the state, which can help farmers secure premium prices in national and international markets.
High-Yield Turmeric Varieties Strengthen Bihar’s Position
RPCAU has developed two high-yielding turmeric varieties—Rajendra Sonia and Rajendra Sonalika—which form the backbone of the Bihar turmeric action plan.
- Rajendra Sonia: Yield potential of 40–45 tonnes per hectare
- Rajendra Sonalika: Yield potential of 50–55 tonnes per hectare
These varieties significantly outperform conventional turmeric strains and have gained rapid acceptance among farmers. Planting material from Bihar is now in demand across states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Assam.
Higher Curcumin Content Opens Premium Markets
According to the policy paper, both Rajendra Sonia and Rajendra Sonalika contain 7–8.4% curcumin, which is higher than the famous GI-tagged Lakadong turmeric (around 7.5%). This makes Bihar’s turmeric highly suitable for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and wellness industries.
Under the Bihar turmeric action plan, achieving GI status and organic certification could further enhance export potential and ensure better price realization for farmers.
Samastipur at the Core of Bihar’s Turmeric Economy
Although Bihar currently contributes only 0.25% to India’s total turmeric production, Samastipur alone accounts for over 55% of the state’s output.
In 2022–23:
- Area under turmeric: 1.54 thousand hectares
- Production: 1.56 thousand tonnes
- Productivity: 1.01 tonnes per hectare
Given turmeric’s potential to generate employment, increase farm income, and support agro-based industries, Samastipur has been identified as a priority district under the Bihar turmeric action plan.
FPOs, Processing Units and ODOP Push
Another RPCAU paper, authored by Vice-Chancellor Punyavrat Suvimalendu Pandey, emphasizes the role of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in strengthening turmeric marketing in Bihar.
The Bihar turmeric action plan proposes:
- Strengthening FPOs for collective marketing
- Setting up processing units, especially in Samastipur
- Leveraging the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme to build turmeric-based value chains
Value Addition and By-Products for Extra Income
Beyond raw turmeric, the action plan highlights income opportunities from by-products, such as essential oil extracted from turmeric leaves. Capacity building of farmers, processors, and stakeholders, along with marketing under a common Bihar brand, is also recommended.
These initiatives under the Bihar turmeric action plan can generate additional employment, encourage agro-entrepreneurship, and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Conclusion
The Bihar turmeric action plan presents a clear roadmap to transform turmeric into a high-value crop for the state. With high-yielding varieties, GI and organic potential, strong FPO networks, and focused processing infrastructure, Bihar—led by Samastipur—can emerge as a strong force in India’s turmeric economy while ensuring sustainable income growth for farmers.
