Erode: Of all the crops raised in the district here, turmeric crops are a speciality. The turmeric products produced here hold special importance locally and also is exported to foreign markets.
The Erode Manjal vanigarkal Matrum Kidangu Urimaiyalargal Sangam and Turmeric Warehouse Owners Association president, KV Ravishankar, and secretary, M. Sathiyamoorthy, told Deccan Chronicle that in bygone days, turmeric produced in the district was called 'Madras Finger Turmeric' (MFT). This variety has a special aroma or smell associated with it. Consumption of turmeric produced in Erode contained curcumin levels 2.5 to three percent more than those produced in other parts of the state.
Curcumin is the bright yellow phenolic compound whihc is the main constituent of turmeric powder, used as a food colouring and flavouring agent.
Hence, this turmeric has the power to treat a variety of diseases and illness. The turmeric is special because the crop is grown only in Erode soil, and is exported in large quantities. Though turmeric is grown in many places across the state, the variety that's raised in Erode has a special taste, smell, natural colour and healing properties. It is also bigger in size than those produced elsewhere.
"The plea for GI certification for Erode turmeric was made in 2014. Several stages of discussions and debates were held over the specialty of Erode turmeric. The GI tag now given to our turmeric is a moment to cherish. The certification has made our farmers proud. We have been raising this crop for over 100 years in Erode," added Ravishankar.
