COIMBATORE: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday announced that a world-class turmeric testing laboratory would be established in Erode.
Addressing farmers during a visit to Erode Regulated Market for turmeric in Erode, the minister announced a slew of development works to support turmeric farmers and enhance the market value of the crop.
"Steps would be taken to construct a cold storage facility for turmeric with a capacity ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 tonnes. New turmeric seed varieties would be introduced through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and solar power units would be established to steam and dry harvested turmeric," he said.
The Union Minister also assured to bring in the required technology to promote value-added products from turmeric and ensure farmers get a fair price for their produce in both domestic and international markets. He also announced that e-auction infrastructure would be strengthened to enable turmeric trade across India and initiate efforts to curb illegal turmeric trading.
The farmers also urged the centre to set up a regional office of the Turmeric Board in Erode, introduce high curcumin turmeric varieties and create a global standard testing laboratory in the district.
"I will recommend the establishment of a regional office of the Turmeric Board to the Agricultural Marketing Department," he said.
Following the meeting, Chouhan inspected turmeric cultivation fields, visited an agri-expo and met members of Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs).
He also hailed the contribution of women in the field of farming and honoured 20 women farmers for their outstanding performance.