Ludhiana, January 6: Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) today has initiated a two-day training programme on turmeric processing for the farmers coming from different parts of the Punjab at its campus.
“During training programme farmers would be given hands-on-experience on turmeric processing so to equip them to run their own production units at commercial level,” revealed Head Transfer of Technology Division Dr Deepak Raj Rai, adding that farmers can increase their profits by processing the turmeric grown in their own fields. “The value addition after processing of turmeric would be beneficial for them.”
Saying that major part of turmeric is consumed in processed powder form, Dr Rai, stressed the need for proper marketing and packaging. He informed the participants that CIPHET would provide complete help to farmers even after their training. Asking farmers to maintain quality and hygiene in production process, Dr Sangeeta Chopra said that the institute could also offer farmers exposure in production and marketing.
Technical Officer O.P Mondan said that training programme would be practical oriented. One of the participant Manvir Singh from Gurdaspur, who has recently completed degree in hospitality management, said that finds turmeric processing business very lucrative. “I will set up processing unit in partnership with my uncle,” he added.
Notably, India is largest producer of turmeric in the world with 90 percent of production. Around 79,300 hectares is under this crop and annual production stands around 1,43,900 tonns. While major production is located in southern and western states, recently Punjab farmers have also started growing turmeric.
