Multilocation field trial of Curcuma longa var. Lakadong in different agro-climate zones of North East India for ascertaining factors influencing curcumin content in the region

Higher curcumin content of turmeric fetches better price in international market. The curcumin content may vary between different varieties of turmeric (Curcuma longa). Further, the developmental status of the rhizome and various agroclimatic factors can also influence the curcumin content significantly. The Lakadong variety of turmeric, which is grown in some parts of Meghalaya, is reported to contain high curcumin content (7.4%) and thus has immense potential for commercialisation. However, farmers of the Meghalaya have experienced that when Lakadong is cultivated outside the Jaintia hills the quality deteriorates thereby posing a limitation for expansion of Lakadong cultivation outside the traditional Lakadong area of the state. Although there is no scientific report on such agroclimatic effect on curcumin content of Lakadong turmeric in particular, there are several scientific reports, which show that agroclimatic factors may significantly affect the curcumin content in turmeric. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the various factors that influence the quality of turmeric Lakadong rhizome. The present proposal is aimed at carrying out biochemical analysis, multilocation field trial at different agroclimatic conditions, analysis of different edaphic factors, and practice of both traditional and recommended crop management practices for Lakadong accessions of turmeric to ascertain the factors influencing curcumin content. The proposal would adopt a systematically planned approach.