Your Grandmother’s Haldi Just Got A Little Better

The Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) based in Lucknow, has developed a new variety of turmeric named CIM-Pitamber. The new variety, which is available for commercial cultivation, is good news for farmers and traditional Indian homes.

This high yielding variety of turmeric has a growth period of 180-190 days and a better output of 60-65 tonnes of rhizomes/ha. The variety contains more than 12.5 percent curcuminoids. In field trials, the variety has demonstrated 50 tonnes of rhizomes/ha, containing more than 10 percent curcuminoids.

It also holds much promise for a large number of traditional Indian homes where turmeric is not only used as a popular spice, but also as a first aid-cum medical ingredient. Curcumin, which ranges from ten to twelve percent, has a wide spectrum of medicinal properties including anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-cancer, antioxidants, anti-microbial as well as anti-aging.

According to the Hindu Business Line, scientists used genetic techniques on 130 germplasms collected from different places to select, cultivate, differentiate characteristics and finally develop super clones. The CIM-Pitamber is tolerant to the common leaf botch disease, affecting the turmeric crop.

The variety will be able to produce rhizomes, with 90 per cent more curcuminoids and yields, more than double the existing varieties, and IISR Pratibha, now grown in North Indian plains.