Empowering rural women through turmeric production in Dantewada district

Raipur 02 August 2024- Five villages in the Kuakonda development block of Dantewada district have been chosen for a turmeric production, with women from Bihan groups leading the charge.

As part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission ‘Bihan’ local self-help groups are engaging in turmeric cultivation. The Horticulture Department has provided 20 quintals of turmeric seeds to 50 women from the villages of Renganar, Gadhmiri, Kuakonda, Halbaras, Mailawada, and Gogpal. Each woman has planted 40 kg of turmeric bulbs in her garden. If this year’s crop is successful, the turmeric will be purchased next year by Maa Danteshwari Mahila Farmer Producer Company Limited Kuakonda. The plan includes processing the turmeric by the group and supplying it to retail and wholesale markets.

Turmeric, widely used in cooking and traditional ceremonies, plays an important role in Indian culture. This 5 to 6 feet tall ginger species yields turmeric in its root knots and is famous for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda. It holds a special place in Indian cuisine and is considered highly auspicious in cultural practices, including the ‘Haldi’ ritual in weddings.

The region’s favorable environment for turmeric cultivation, combined with the efforts of the National Rural Livelihood Mission ‘Bihan’ aims to link this agricultural initiative to improved economic prosperity and livelihoods for women in these rural areas.