Ludhiana, March 2: Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) experts have affirmed that the future of turmeric farming in the state relies on embracing scientific post-harvest practices. While the crop has long been a staple in Indian households, specialists noted that its true financial potential is only realized when farmers move beyond raw cultivation into modern processing and packaging.
The university has streamlined the essential steps of washing, boiling, drying, and grinding through the development of PAU-designed equipment. This machinery is intended to help farmers reduce post-harvest losses and improve the overall shelf life of their yields. Experts stated that these advancements address the common challenges of low market prices and the perishable nature of fresh turmeric.
“By adopting these technologies, farmers can convert turmeric into a profitable enterprise,” declared Sajeev Rattan Sharma of PAU’s Department of Processing and Food Engineering. He asserted that custom hiring and the use of small-scale machinery provide a viable roadmap for entrepreneurs across Punjab’s agricultural landscape.
Data from the department indicates that the financial returns on processed turmeric are substantial, with the final powder fetching a much higher price than the raw fingers. Gurveer Kaur, a specialist at the department, affirmed that such processing is critical for meeting the strict criteria of the cosmetic and medical industries. She maintained that ensuring high standards of purity and aroma is the only way for farmers to secure better returns.
The university continues to advocate for these scientific methods, stating that improved marketing strategies could make turmeric a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural diversification efforts.
