Why farmers are turning to tumeric

With attention gradually turning to the health benefits of tumeric and other uses globally, farmers are also positioning themselves to take advantage of the expanding market. One of such farmer is Mikah Adamu Sule. With 18 hectares of farm in Keffi, three hectares was used for the cultivation of tumeric this season. Mr Sule, who […]

With attention gradually turning to the health benefits of tumeric and other uses globally, farmers are also positioning themselves to take advantage of the expanding market.

One of such farmer is Mikah Adamu Sule. With 18 hectares of farm in Keffi, three hectares was used for the cultivation of tumeric this season.

Mr Sule, who is also into ginger and oil palm production, is expanding his investments in tumeric because, according to him, the market for tumeric within the country is growing and just beginning to emerge.

There are many producers of spices and other condiments in the country who are sourcing raw materials locally. People in the art industry also use tumeric for dying, thereby scaling up demand.

Sule and others are also putting together an association in order to be able to negotiate effectively with processors for the benefits of all smallholders.

He said they had just started the association and had received orders from many processors.

“We have started discussing with them. They have written to us with specifications –  how they want us to package it for them,’’ he said.

Sule, whose farms in southern Kaduna were affected by crisis, said he would increase the production of turmeric in his farms in Keffi.

The former legislator in Kaduna said that with over 35 uses of turmeric, which now include beverages and tea, market would not be an issue.