Kandhamal Organic Turmeric Kondh Tribal Forest Odisha

Kandhamal district in the central Odisha highlands produces Kandhamal Haladi (turmeric) — a GI-tagged organic turmeric cultivated by Kondh tribal farmers on their traditional podu (shifting cultivation) plots in the Phulbani forest highlands at 900-1200 metres altitude. Kandhamal turmeric is valued for its dark saffron colour and high curcumin content (5-7%, higher than standard commercial turmeric) and is sold as premium organic turmeric in Delhi, Mumbai, and export markets including Japan. The Kondh tribal cooperative in Kandhamal organises the collective harvest, sun-drying, and polishing of turmeric rhizomes, providing tribal farmers direct market access and eliminating intermediary traders who historically captured 60% of the value.