Turmeric farming- Haldi farming in West Bengal - Holud Chas- Turmeric powder
Introduction
The use of turmeric from almost 4000 years to the Vedic culture & Ayurveda in India. Turmeric was used as a culinary spice. Haldi itself an yellowed features on its external significance & colorism, that because its called 'Haldi'. It has some religious & spiritual values.
Facts-
India lead for production and export of turmeric in the world.
State Andhra Pradesh occupies 35.0% of area and 47.0% of production.
Kasturi Manjal, the wild turmeric. Its generic name is Curcuma aromatica. Manjal has a bitter taste with camphor like aroma. In India & almost overall world, Turmeric is used for several home remedies since thousands of years in India.
India produces more than 30 different types of turmeric varieties all unique to their respective regions. Our country being one of the major producers of turmeric, contributes 80% to global production.
Popular breeds are Duggirtala, Tekurpettah, Kodur, Armoor, Sugandham, Amalapuram, Erode local, Alleppey, Moovattupuzha, and Lama dong .
Curcumin may help delay aging and fight age-related chronic diseases easily.
Curcumin has benefits against depression.
Arthritis patients respond well to curcumin supplements.
Curcumin is used for Alzheimer’s disease.
It may help prevent cancer.
Curcumin may lower your risk of heart disease.
It can be grown as an intercrop in coconut and arecanut plantations. It can also be cultivated as a mixed crop with chillies, colocasia, onion, brinjal and cereals like maize, ragi, etc.
India is the motherland of haldi, its climate supports for harvest haldi in an acre minimum. The yield of pure turmeric varies from 8000 to 10000 kg per acre. The total production / acre is 8-10 tons.
The rate per kg is vary for different areas Rs. 69-70 and hence, the turmeric farmer can get total returns of Rs. 5,52,000/- almost. Its basically daily needed spices. Not only horizontal farming, it is accessible for vertical farming also.
Turmeric plant is a tropical plant with spike orientation yellow flower, native to India. Therefore, it is most fruitful when it is provided ample sun, moderately warm temperatures, and regular base water. Turmeric farming should ideally be planted in March or April. Haldi farming requires a well-drained soil, frost-free climate and annually 1000 to 2000mm rain or manual irrigation. Turmeric cultivation is best on loamy or alluvial fertile soils and it cannot stand waterlogging, light shade is beneficial.During haldi cultivation mother rhizomes are usually kept as seed material.
Requirement of 24 Kg Nitrogen and 16 Kg Potash/ acre at 80 days after plantation. The final dose of 20 Kg Nitrogen and 14 Kg Potash/ acre should be applied at 120 days after plantation followed by eating up of the crop. This process should be completed within 120 days from the time of Turmeric planting.
Rajapuri turmeric is costing as much as Rs 21,000 per quintal. The market price of this spice has escalated upto Rs 30,000 per quintal.
The haldi crops can be affected by several diseases.
Three most common problems for turmeric- 1. Leaf Spot 2. Leaf Blight 3. Rizome Rot
Leaf Spot: It appears as a brownish tinge on the upper surface of the turmeric leaves. This leaf spots generally increase in number and combine leaving the affected area dry. This disease can be controlled by spraying copper oxychloride or carbendazim.
Leaf Blight: Leaf blight generally occurs post-monsoon with patches with white centres appearing on the leaves which damage the leaf. Bordeaux mixture should be used to reduce this.
Rhizome Rot: This is a very malefic disease. It yellows the lower side of leaves after which the leaves become soft and water-soaked which leads to the collapse of the plant tissues.
Health Benefits-
Haldi reduces Arthritis & Joint Pain
One of the most common uses for turmeric extract is combating the discomfort from joint pain and arthritis. Severe arthritic symptoms include limited range of motion, joint stiffness, excessive swelling, and lack of mobility. These symptoms can get worse over time, causing permanent damage if left untreated.
Research shows that curcumin inhibits many of the mediators of inflammation linked to rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis development. Turmeric consistently reduces arthritis symptomology and may serve as an excellent complementary treatment for joint pain.
Reduces Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s immune system responding to irritants or threats. Inflamed areas often swell up, turn red, or become painful. While this is a healthy and normal bodily reaction, sometimes the immune system goes awry. If inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to significant health problems.
Many trials have demonstrated curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties through its inhibition of key inflammatory markers in the body. Turmeric’s antioxidant activity also helps reduce oxidative stress, a process linked to low-grade inflammation.
Back Pain
Often, chronic back pain derives from underlying issues, including sciatica, herniated discs, or spinal problems. While turmeric is not a direct cure for these conditions, it has shown potential in managing upper and lower back pain by targeting inflammation and reducing free radical damage.
Aids Weight Loss
Obesity can lead to several different health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and others. If you’re an otherwise healthy individual, weight loss can be pretty straight forward. However, if you have a pre-existing
Several trials have shown that curcumin benefits metabolic disorders by helping stabilize metabolism and manage weight. Turmeric increases insulin sensitivity, regulates lipid metabolism, and targets fat by suppressing multiple processes responsible for the growth of adipose tissue.
Improves Skin Health
Our skin is the all-important, outermost protective layer of our body. Skin keeps us safe from harmful microbes and regulates our internal body temperature. At times, unwanted skin conditions may arise that require treatment such as chronic acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Many DIYers use turmeric powder to create face masks, pastes, and other topical solutions to heal the skin. Researchers have confirmed that curcumin reduces oxidative stress associated with inflammatory skin conditions. Turmeric also enhances collagen synthesis and significantly speeds up tissue repair.
Natural Blood Thinner
Blood clots occur when blood cells called platelets, move to a damaged site to plug the wounded area. This occurrence is a normal bodily function. Without clotting, small papercuts would become catastrophic. At times, certain health conditions arise that require blood thinning to prevent blockages.
Curcumin supplements have shown potential as an anticoagulant (blood thinner) under certain conditions. Turmeric extract impacts several stages of the coagulation process, including thrombosis (local blood clotting), and hemostasis (stopping blood flow). However, more human trials should be done to confirm efficacy.
Helps Fight Disease & Chronic Conditions
The potent antioxidant properties may be one of the most significant turmeric benefits. Curcumin has shown an innate ability to boost immune system function and protect against disease by directly inhibiting free radical cell damage and reducing oxidative stress. Turmeric can help with the following:
Cancer-
Researchers have performed numerous trials on turmeric’s potential to serve as a complementary treatment in cancer patients. They’ve found that curcumin can selectively target cancer cells and inhibit tumor initiation and growth. Turmeric also helps reduce inflammation and pain from chemotherapy.
Diabetes-
If you’re attempting to lower your blood sugar or prevent diabetes, turmeric may be able to help. Several trials have demonstrated curcumin’s potential in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Curcumin appears to have both an insulin-sensitizing and glucose-lowering benefit while improving glycemic regulation.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)-
Stabilizing blood pressure and preventing hypertension is one of the most common uses of turmeric. It won’t be able to overcome poor lifestyle choices that lead to high blood pressure. However, curcumin has shown an ability to improve vascular endothelial function, a modulator of blood pressure that declines with age.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia-
Research shows that an oral turmeric supplement may be one of the best ways to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Curcuminoids can help reduce beta-amyloid plaque buildup on the brain and reduce neuroinflammation, two of the key biomarkers linked to Alzheimer’s development.
Regulates Cholesterol-
Under certain conditions, clinical trials have concluded that turmeric can help lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Current evidence suggests curcumin may be beneficial if you are obese, have metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or another chronic condition affecting your blood lipid profile.