Koraput: Turmeric, a rhizomatous plant celebrated for its powerful antioxidant and medicinal properties, has long been an integral part of Indian agriculture and cultural traditions. In Odisha’s Koraput district, particularly the Laxmipur region, turmeric has earned a unique identity across the country due to its comparatively high antioxidant content, making it a premium agricultural produce.
Building on this natural advantage, women farmers from the Laxmipur block have taken a significant step towards value addition and sustainable agriculture by starting the extraction of oil from turmeric leaves—a resource that was earlier considered agricultural waste. With technical guidance from the social organization WARD and marketing support from ORMAS, these women have successfully established turmeric leaf oil extraction units in their villages.
From Agricultural Waste to Valuable Resource
Traditionally, turmeric leaves left behind after harvesting were either allowed to decompose in the fields or were burnt. Recognising their untapped potential, women farmers began collecting and processing these leaves using specially designed extraction machines. This innovative approach has transformed waste into a high-value product, creating an additional income stream while promoting eco-friendly farming practices.
Experts explain that while oil extraction from fresh turmeric leaves yields limited output, dried leaves have a much higher oil extraction capacity, making the process more economically viable. The oil extracted from turmeric leaves is widely used in medicines, wellness products and other commercial applications, owing to its therapeutic properties.
Growing Demand and Scientific Validation
The chief scientist of the Regional Research Centre at Pattangi highlighted that turmeric leaf oil from the Laxmipur region is witnessing growing demand at both local and national levels. The superior quality of turmeric cultivated in the area has further elevated the market value of the oil, positioning it as a premium product.
During initial trials, women associated with a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) processed around three quintals of turmeric leaves and successfully extracted 700 millilitres of turmeric leaf oil, marking a promising beginning for the initiative.
Empowering Women Through Value Addition
More than 20 women members of the FPO, supported by ORMAS and WARD, have now installed turmeric leaf oil extraction units in their villages. While turmeric cultivation has been practised in Laxmipur for generations, farmers earlier lacked awareness about its superior quality and market potential. As a result, turmeric leaves were often sold cheaply to traders or used only for household cooking.
ORMAS played a pivotal role in changing this mindset by facilitating the formation of the FPO, providing training in value-added processing and connecting farmers with markets. Today, these women are no longer limited to selling raw turmeric; they are producing turmeric leaf oil, turmeric-based soaps and other value-added products, significantly increasing their income.
A Model of Sustainable, Women-Led Rural Development
With proper training, scientific support and institutional backing, women in Laxmipur are now exploring new agricultural possibilities and setting an inspiring example of women-led entrepreneurship, sustainable farming, and rural economic empowerment. Their success story highlights how innovation and awareness can unlock hidden potential in traditional farming practices, paving the way for inclusive and resilient rural development.
