Bahraich Farmers’ Turmeric Gets National Recognition through Patanjali MoU

Patanjali has committed to purchasing 45,000–50,000 tons of turmeric annually

BAHRAICH: With the aim to enhance the income of farmers in Bahraich, District Magistrate Monica Rani facilitated a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between three Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) of Bahraich district and Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurveda Limited for the production and marketing of turmeric.

Returning from Haridwar, DM Monica Rani told, the MoU was signed on December 28, 2024, at Patanjali’s headquarters in Haridwar. DM Monica Rani highlighted the natural advantages of the Mihinpurwa region, including fertile soil, abundant natural resources, and a favorable climate, making it ideal for agriculture. Turmeric, yam (jimikand), and green vegetables are grown extensively in the area, the DM told during the meeting in Haridwar.

The DM said thousands of local farmers have been cultivating turmeric, yet they have struggled to secure fair prices, with traders from other states buying their produce at discounted rates. Through this MoU, Patanjali has committed to purchasing 45,000–50,000 tons of turmeric annually, cultivated on 2,000 hectares at a production rate of 20–25 tons per hectare. This initiative will directly benefit the district’s farmers by ensuring fair market prices and opening avenues for increased income.

Deputy Agriculture Director T.P. Shahi shared that 2,856 farmers (1,880 men and 976 women) are already engaged in turmeric cultivation under the FPO model. Additionally, 150 hectares are dedicated to yam cultivation, producing 5,250 tons annually, and over 600 hectares are used for green vegetable farming.

As part of the collaboration, Patanjali Ayurveda will also provide agricultural training and equipment to farmers in Haridwar or Bahraich as needed.

Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna commended the District Magistrate's efforts and expressed their commitment to supporting Bahraich’s farmers through training and resources. DM Monica Rani expressed her gratitude to Patanjali for the collaboration and emphasized that this partnership is a significant milestone in the district’s agricultural development. This initiative is expected to encourage more farmers to join the FPO network and contribute to Bahraich’s agricultural growth while significantly improving their livelihoods.

The DM said the three FPOs are: Pratyush Bioenergy Farmer Producer Company Limited, Veerangana Laxmi Bai Mahila Kisan Producer Company Limited and CSC Raj Farmer Producer Company Limited.