Turmeric variety · Released variety
Megha Turmeric-1
Also known as Megha-1, Meghalaya turmeric
Meghalaya (Ri-Bhoi district); developed from Lakadong germplasm via tissue culture · Meghalaya State Agricultural Department and ICAR institutes (tissue culture cloning) · Introduced 2013-2014; field tested and adopted
Tissue-cultured clone of superior Lakadong genotype, ensuring genetic purity and disease-free stock. High curcumin (6.8-8%). Pathogen-free certified planting material. Maintains Lakadong potency while providing certified stock. High market demand in India.
Key facts
| Type | Released variety |
|---|---|
| Origin | Meghalaya (Ri-Bhoi district); developed from Lakadong germplasm via tissue culture |
| Breeder / source | Meghalaya State Agricultural Department and ICAR institutes (tissue culture cloning) |
| Year released | Introduced 2013-2014; field tested and adopted |
| Parentage | Direct clone of superior Lakadong landrace (micropropagated through tissue culture) |
| Yield | 24.96 tonnes/ha reported in Assam field trials (249.63 quintals/ha) |
| Tolerance | Disease-free status; excellent field tolerance; high-altitude adapted |
| Distinctive features | High curcumin 6.8-8%; essential oil 5.5%; disease-free certified stock; plant height 175 cm; 10 leaves main shoot |
| Grown in | Meghalaya, Assam, Northeast India; expanding to high-altitude regions |
| Also known as | Megha-1, Meghalaya turmeric |
Figures are indicative, compiled from public agricultural sources (ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, the Spices Board and the National Innovation Foundation) and vary with soil, season and management. Confirm with your local package of practices.
Megha Turmeric-1 in detail
A clonal selection from Lakadong turmeric developed at the ICAR Complex for NEH Region, delivering high curcumin (6.8-8%) while showing better tolerance to the leaf spot and leaf blotch diseases that affect traditional Lakadong.
Origin & story
Megha Turmeric-1 was developed by scientists at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, and introduced around 2013-2014. It was created by clonal propagation of selected superior Lakadong genotype rhizomes, cultured for up to three generations to stabilise the clone and supply genetically uniform, disease-free planting stock. The aim was to retain Lakadong's high-curcumin character while reducing the risk of leaf blotch and leaf spot and supporting wider cultivation beyond the original growing area.
How it grows
Matures in roughly 300-315 days (about 9-10 months). Plant height averages around 175 cm with about 10 leaves on the main shoot. Potential yield is reported at up to about 270 q/ha of fresh rhizome under good management. Shows good tolerance to leaf spot and leaf blotch. It has been evaluated and adopted across parts of northeast India, including demonstrations in districts of Assam such as Kokrajhar. It is suited to the acidic soils typical of the NEH region.
Quality & character
Curcumin around 6.8-8% (commonly cited at 6.8%); essential oil about 5.5%; dry matter about 16.37%. Being a clone of selected Lakadong stock, it offers genetic uniformity and certified disease-free planting material, with better tolerance to leaf blotch and leaf spot than the parent. Certified planting material has been offered at Rs 400/kg (maximum 10 kg per buyer).
Why it matters to buyers
Of interest to buyers seeking high-curcumin turmeric, with certified disease-free planting stock supporting consistency. In demonstrated cultivation in Kokrajhar district, Assam (2017-18), farmers reported a net profit of Rs 2,28,025/ha and a benefit-to-cost ratio of 3.85. Lakadong turmeric (the parent type) carries a Geographical Indication tag and commands premium prices; Megha-1 aims to retain its high-curcumin character while offering broader cultivation suitability.
About turmeric
India grows more turmeric than any country on earth—over 30 varieties with distinct flavours, curcumin profiles, and growing regions. From the cool heights of Meghalaya's Jaintia Hills to Tamil Nadu's red soil and Maharashtra's famous Sangli market, each region gives its turmeric a signature identity. Whether you're a farmer choosing planting material, a…
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