A turmeric tale that asks – can pride alone sustain a legacy without action?
The Erode district is the pride of the country, which
is called the “Turmeric City of India”. For
generations, farmers have nurtured turmeric with skill, patience, and respect
for the land. Locally known as “ Erode Manjal”, this spice is more than just an
agricultural crop; it is a part of the region's culture, economy, and identity.
In 2019, the Erode district got Geographical
Indication (GI) recognition for the famous
Erode Manjal for its traditional Chinna Nadan turmeric variety, known
for its rich golden yellow color, high curcumin content, and strong medicinal
value. Traditionally, families used it not only as a spice in their kitchens
but also in Ayurveda, Siddha, and home remedies for health and healing.
But Erode Manjal is not limited to just one variety.
Over time, farmers have also cultivated other types such as Selection, 8, 10,
PCT 8,10, Salem Manjal, and Rajahmundry turmeric. Each variety carries its own
strength; some give higher yield, some have brighter color, some last longer in
storage. While the Chinna Nadan stands unique for its purity and medicinal
richness, many have shifted towards high-yielding varieties that are more
sustainable in modern farming conditions.
On the ground, the reality is stark. There is another popular
variety, Periya Nadan, that has disappeared. Only a few farmers continue with
Chinna Nadan, as its low yield and high pest/disease issues make it
unsustainable. Most farmers choose high-yielding, bright yellow varieties that
offer them better returns and resilience.
Although the GI tag stands as an achievement, trade
and marketing remain static, and there is a lack in the usage of the GI tag. Demand
has not shifted, awareness has not increased, and price premiums have not
materialized. Consumers do not ask for it, traders do not highlight it, and
farmers do not benefit from cultivating it.
To make GI recognition
meaningful, we must build a dedicated post-registration mechanism. We need
committees that drive strategy, marketing plans that reach consumers,
e-commerce platforms that connect sellers to buyers, export facilitation that
opens global markets, and awareness campaigns that highlight authenticity and
heritage. Only then can GI products like Erode Chinna Nadan turmeric transform
from a paper certificate into a living symbol of India’s agricultural heritage
and cultural pride. Not only Erode Manjal, but we must speak for all the
GI-tagged products registered all over India.
*Paul Mansingh, J & Nirosha R
Extension & Economics, VIT School of Agricultural
Innovations and Advanced Learning (VAIAL),
Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014
Teaching Research Assistant Cum, Department
of Agricultural Extension & Economics,
VIT School of Agricultural Innovations and Advanced
Learning (VAIAL), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014
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