The decline in manufacturing of Cochin Ginger and Alleppey Finger Turmeric varieties has been attributed to the introduction of high-yielding varieties most popular within the home marketplace for their bigger measurement and better productiveness. (Representational picture)
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MUSTAFAH KK
Kerala Agricultural College has performed a seminar to launch chosen kinds of Cochin Ginger and Alleppey Finger Turmeric, two iconic spice varieties which were traded from Kerala for hundreds of years.
It was highlighted that the traded names Alleppey Finger Turmeric and Cochin Ginger have been formally documented as early because the nineteenth century, with well-defined high quality parameters that set them aside in worldwide markets. Nevertheless, the provision of those conventional commerce varieties has declined sharply lately, adversely impacting their established area of interest export markets.
The decline in manufacturing has been attributed to the introduction of high-yielding varieties most popular within the home marketplace for their bigger measurement and better productiveness. Over time, indiscriminate cultivation and varietal mixing additionally led to the erosion of the distinctive high quality attributes of those conventional varieties.
The seminar was organised as a part of the MIDH undertaking, “Rejuvenation of Cochin Ginger and Alleppey Finger Turmeric for export promotion,” being applied by the Division of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Fragrant Crops on the Faculty of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, throughout 2022–2026.
The manufacturing of those spice varieties can be a significant financial enhance by the use of export to Center East, Europe and the US, mentioned Sunil Appukuttan Nair, Principal Investigator of the undertaking. The seminar highlights the dedication of KAU to empower spice growers amid rising international demand for Cochin ginger and Alleppey finger turmeric. Potential FPOs and spice exporters within the mass cultivation and manufacturing can be recognized, and token seed kits can be distributed.
Ramkumar Menon, Chairman of the World Spice Organisation (WSO), mentioned the estimated annual trade demand is round 20,000 tonnes of dry Cochin Ginger—equal to just about one lakh tonnes of recent ginger—and near 50,000 tonnes of high-curcumin turmeric akin to the Alleppey selection. The demand is anticipated to extend since curiosity from netutraceuticals and pharmaceutical sectors has been rising on account of its immunity boosting properties. Nevertheless, the precise provide assembly the required high quality specs is presently restricted.
All India Spices Exporters Discussion board and WSO, the technical arm of AISEF, raised considerations with the Agriculture Ministry and the Spices Board, resulting in a focused undertaking to determine, purify, and multiply genuine Cochin Ginger and Alleppey Finger Turmeric for industrial cultivation.
The present initiative is anticipated to encourage a shift from typical cultivation to export-oriented manufacturing, enabling farmers and exporters to entry higher costs whereas assembly worldwide market necessities, he added
Revealed on February 11, 2026
