The lush-green Baansera on the banks of the Yamuna in Delhi will soon be yielding the first crop of the globally acclaimed Lakadong turmeric from Meghalaya, Raj Niwas said here on Wednesday.  Giving details, officials said Delhi Development Authority (DDA), on the initiative of Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, has planted Lakadong  turmeric under the thick bamboo groves over two  acres of land at Baansera, that have shown excellent growth in the last four months.  This much sought after variety of turmeric may soon be available to the people of Delhi through sale by DDA.   In a post on X, Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said, Happy to share that the famed Lakadong Turmeric from Meghalayas Jaintia Hills has made its way to Yamuna floodplain in Delhi at Baansera. The innovative step to introduce this finest quality turmeric in Delhis climate has shown promising results with 80% survival rate.  In continuation of these efforts, Saxena had directed DDA to procure Lakadong turmeric seeds from Meghalaya and cultivate the same at Baansera under the bamboo groves that are considered conducive for the survival and growth of this turmeric. Saxena said 30,000 bamboo will create a conducive environment for their growth. Planted in June this year, the first turmeric harvest is expected by Jan 2025.  Cultivation of Lakadong Turmeric in Delhi comes after successful experiments of planting Chandan, Chinar, Cherry Blossom, Green Apple, Water Apple & Grapes that have, besides adding diversity to Delhis flora, broken the myth that such plants and trees can not be grown in Delhi, Saxena added. Trial cultivation of Lakadong turmeric is in line with the LGs persistent innovative and inter-cultural approachaimed at adding diversity to Delhis flora and comes after successful plantation of Chandan, Chinar, Cherry Blossom, water apple, green apple and grapes in different parts of the National Capital.  Lakadong turmeric is a rare and prized variety of turmeric that is native to the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. It is known for its high curcumin content, which gives it a bright yellow color and a distinct aroma and earthy flavor. Lakadong turmeric is considered to be one of the best varieties of turmeric worldwide. Accordingly, the DDA procured five quintals of high-quality Lakadong turmeric seed -rhizomes (the underground stem of the turmeric plant) – from Meghalaya and planted them at Baansera in the month of June. Since then, the crop has shown promising growth with the survival rate of over 80%. Horticulture experts are closely monitoring the growth of the turmeric plants. Baansera, which has over 30,000 bamboo plants, has created a symbiotic environment in which both turmeric and bamboo are thriving.  Based on the successful crop yield, DDA will also consider cultivation of Lakadong turmeric on a larger scale at different locations in Delhi.  Lakadong turmeric, renowned for its exceptional curcumin content of around 7.4%, is highly valued and most sought-after in the medicinal and wellness sectors. Additionally, its volatile oil content, ranging from 3.6% to 4.8%, increases its appeal across various industries.

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