Prayagraj: Apart from Pratapgarh’s famous Amla (Indian Gooseberry) , the cultivation of black turmeric in Pratapgarh has attracted the farmers from Bundelkhand region for its medicinal benefits and huge profits.Not only Pratapgarh farmers, Bundelkhand farmers particularly from Banda, Chitrakoot, and Mahoba have also opted its cultivation due to its rising demand in markets as ‘kali haldi’, is highly valued in traditional medicine for its rich concentration of curcuminoids and essential oils.Farmers claimed that black turmeric naturally alleviates inflammation, improve digestion, soothe respiratory discomfort, and promote skin healing.Notably, Pratapgarh based Utkrisht Pandey, a former Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) official and a progressive farmer first introduced black turmeric cultivation at Bhaduna village in Mangraura block of Pratapgarh district three years ago as a new experiment and now over 32 farmers across the state including Chitrakoot, Banda, Barabanki, Bagpat, Prayagraj, Kaushambi have also started cultivating black turmeric.Pandey had left his job to start his own agro-startup company. He not only cultivates white sandalwood and black turmeric, distinct from traditional farming but cultivates black turmeric on five acres.Pandey told TOI, “Apart from Pratapgarh, farmers of Banda, Chitrakoot, Barabanki, and other Western UP district are learning black turmeric cultivation. People from states like Punjab, Rajasthan, MP, Delhi, Maharastra etc place orders for black turmeric due to its high medicinal properties”.“Yellow turmeric is generally included in dietary spices. In contrast, black turmeric is recognized as a rare herb. Although both are known for their medicinal properties, black turmeric is considered effective against several incurable diseases. Black turmeric is rich in anti-oxidants, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-ulcer properties. Apart from lung-related diseases, it also helps relieve muscle-related issues,” he added.The black turmeric crop matures in eight to nine months. The cultivation cost per acre comes to around 2.5 lakh rupees. In eight to nine months, the crop yields double the cost for the farmer.Utkrisht is inspiring farmers of other districts and state for its cultivation. He visits other states and districts to impart training to farmers.eom
