Farmers’ Training on Post-Harvest Processing of Turmeric in Tamil Nadu

02 Apr, 2022

Post-harvest management is a system of handling, storing, and transporting agricultural commodities after harvest. It plays an important role in the extension of shelf life and the quality of spices. The importance of post-harvest management has been established over the years as it strengthens the action chain that produces, transports, and processes food and all other related products that give sustenance to the world population.

The developPPP.de ‘Enhancement of Smallholder Spice Farmers’ Capacities in Sustainable Farming’ project conducted three trainings on post-harvest processing for turmeric. As farmers harvest turmeric in March, there was a need to organise trainings on post-harvest management practices by engaging experts from relevant institutions so that farmers can use appropriate technologies.

Usually, turmeric is marketed in a dried polished form. Most farmers still use traditional methods for post-harvest processing of turmeric but these methods are very labour-intensive and energy-consuming. They were not aware of the scientific methodologies which are energy-saving and safe for maintaining the quality of the produce.

Erode

The first training was organised on 28 March 2022 at the Erode Precision Farmer Producer Company, Sivagiri, Erode. Dr Poonam Pande from GIZ presented developPPP.de project and explained the relevance of the training. Dr E. Vadivel, President Erode Precision Farmer Producer Company, explained the need for mechanisation and modernisation in turmeric post-harvest machinery. He explained the need for energy-saving and environment-friendly methods and equipment. Dr Sivaranjani, Scientist E from Indian Spices Research Institute presented different scientific methods for processing turmeric. She explained quality standards for domestic as well as the global turmeric market. Dr P. Venkatachalam, former Dean, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University explained energy-saving machines and value addition for turmeric. He emphasised the use of biowaste and converting them into Biochar. Dr Kanagadheelipan K, Deputy Director, Spices Board of India explained post-harvest equipment and the Government of India’s schemes to support farmers with this equipment. An important session on the market linkages was covered by Mr Ujwal Narasapur from AVT McCormick. He explained procurement policy and the testing requirements for the quality standards of turmeric. The training was attended by more than 50 farmers in two batches. The Q&A round made the sessions more interactive. Farmers were very keen to know about different low-cost technological interventions which are useful for post-harvest management of turmeric.

Thalawadi

The second training was organised on 30 March 2022 at Shakti Farms, Thalamalai, Thalawadi. Dr Poonam Pande from GIZ presented developPPP.de project and explained the relevance of the training. Mr John Prabhakaran, chief scientist from MYRADA, KVK explained the need for mechanisation and modernisation of turmeric post-harvest practices. He gave an example of different low-cost equipment which are very useful and easily available. Dr Sivaranjani Scientist, Indian Spices Research Institute explained the use of solar energy for drying turmeric. She explained energy saving calculations by using solar driers as compared them to mechanical ones. Mr Partheban, Horticulture officer presented different government schemes that support small farmers. He explained subsidies available for post-harvest processing equipment for turmeric and assured farmers to support with knowledge transfer as well as coordination with relevant departments. The important session on market linkages was covered by Mr Ujwal Naraspur and Mr Noorul Ameen from AVT McCormick. Farmers interacted with the AVT team on the procurement process and quality testing requirements for turmeric. The team from AVT also presented their buying strategy based on the curcumin range available. They also explained the quality standards of turmeric according to the demand in the global market. The training was attended by more than 50 farmers in two batches. The farmers exchanged their views on different low-cost technological interventions which are useful for post-harvest management of Turmeric.

Coimbatore

The third training was organised on 1st April 2022 at Coimbatore. Dr Poonam Pande from GIZ presented the developPPP.de project and explained the relevance of training. Dr Ravindra Naik, Principal Scientist from Central Institute of Agriculture Engineering Regional Centre, Coimbatore explained the need for mechanisation and modernisation for turmeric post-harvest machinery and showed models of new and improved machines for post-harvest processing. Dr Sivaranjani spoke about processing in turmeric and quality standards. Mrs Siva from KVK Myrada explained different value-added products for turmeric and their procedure for preparation. One of the women groups among participants also expressed interest in preparing turmeric products such as pickles and energy drinks.

Mr Ashok Nair from AVT McCormick conducted an important session on the market linkages and explained the procedure for testing the quality standards for procurement of turmeric. An important aspect of the training was to prepare farmers for Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) framework. Mr Sajan from the GCL International explained the details of FSA, what is FSA, what are the requirements to implement FSA as well as the certification procedure which was met with interest from the participants. The training was attended by more than 50 farmers in two batches with interactive sessions and Q&A.

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About the project

The ‘Enhancement of Smallholder Spice Farmer’s Capacities in Sustainable Farming’ aims to strengthen the production of cardamom, cumin, and turmeric in four states of India - Kerala Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan - to increase the capacities of spice farmers to make production practices more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.

The project is part of the develoPPP.de Programme implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The lead executing agency for this project is AVT McCormick. develop.PPP was set up by BMZ to involve the private sector in areas where business opportunities and development policy initiatives overlap. Read More

For more information contact: biodiv.india@giz.de