Turmeric is one of the most commonly used spices in the world, with a wide range of culinary and medicinal applications. It is a key ingredient in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cuisines, and is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. One of the most sought-after varieties of turmeric is Lakhadong turmeric, which is known for its high curcumin content and strong aroma. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of Lakhadong turmeric and how traceability applications can help in finding the original product.
Earthen Connect, a Canadian start-up, has been working to promote Lakhadong turmeric and help farmers in the region increase their income. Lakhadong is a village in the Janita Hills district of Meghalaya, a state in north-eastern India. The region has a unique microclimate and soil conditions that are ideal for growing high-quality turmeric. The turmeric grown in Lakhadong is known for its rich golden colour, strong aroma, and high curcumin content, which is the active ingredient responsible for its health benefits.
Lakhadong turmeric has been shown to have a wide range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including arthritis, digestive issues, and skin conditions. Research has also shown that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may have anticancer properties and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
However, the popularity of Lakhadong turmeric has also led to a rise in counterfeit products. Some unscrupulous traders have been selling inferior quality turmeric under the Lakhadong name, deceiving consumers and undermining the livelihoods of local farmers. This is where traceability applications can play a crucial role.
Traceability refers to the ability to track the movement of a product from its origin to its final destination. Traceability applications use technology such as blockchain, barcodes, and QR codes to record the journey of a product through the supply chain. This makes it possible to verify the authenticity of a product and trace its origin.
For Lakhadong turmeric, traceability applications can help ensure that consumers are getting the real thing. By using a blockchain-based system, for example, each batch of turmeric can be tagged with a unique identifier that records information such as the date of harvest, the location of the farm, and the name of the farmer. This information can then be verified by consumers using a smartphone app or a website.
Traceability applications can also help farmers in the region by providing them with a transparent and secure way to sell their products. By using a blockchain-based system, for example, farmers can receive payment directly and quickly, without having to go through intermediaries. This can help them increase their income and improve their livelihoods.
Furthermore, traceability applications can help promote sustainability and ethical practices in the supply chain. By providing consumers with information about the origin of their turmeric, they can make informed choices about the products they buy. This can help create demand for products that are grown using sustainable and ethical practices, and discourage the use of harmful chemicals or exploitative labour practices.
conclusion
Lakhadong turmeric is a boon to life, with a wide range of health benefits and culinary applications. However, the popularity of this product has also led to a rise in counterfeit products, which can deceive consumers and harm local farmers. Traceability applications can help address this problem by providing a transparent and secure way to track the origin of products and verify their authenticity. By using technology such as blockchain, barcodes, and QR codes, consumers can make informed choices about the products they buy and support sustainable and ethical practices in the supply chain.