a) Brief description of the innovation
CSIR-CFTRI process provides a newer method of turmeric processing. The process for obtaining turmeric powder directly from fresh turmeric rhizome has been achieved in a single step avoiding the labor-intensive batch type thermal treatment followed by drying in fields. This novel process enables the farmers to overcome labor & energy-intensive operation of cooking, which requires an enormous amount of agricultural fuel for boiling water and drying the cooked rhizomes for 20~25 days. This present novel process would encourage farmers, processors to think of mechanization the simplified process, which involves slicing of the rhizomes followed by drying all within 8 ~12 h, and reduce the cost of processing. Dried turmeric slices will have good keeping quality with a typical turmeric aroma and the finished hygienic turmeric powder is free from microbial load.
b) Technical challenges overcome
Hither to the process of conservation turmeric rhizomes to powder was time-consuming, energy intensive & labor-intensive. This also has the limitation of lower yield and lesser concentration of curcumin in the powder. This novel process helps production of turmeric powder directly from the fresh turmeric rhizome in a single step without labor-intensive, energy-intensive, time-consuming thermal treatment and prolonged drying in fields. The present process also provides scope for mechanization of the process. To add to the variation dried turmeric slices also have good keeping quality, with typical turmeric aroma and the finished hygienic turmeric powder, which is free from microbial load.
c) Positioning of innovation- is it an improvement over the existing one or a new one employing an original approach?
A significant improvement over existing traditional practice, which will provide an additional yield of 90,000 MT (based on current production figures) turmeric powder per year with a saving of 9000 KL of potable water, 3 Lakh MT of Agri-fuel in the country.
d) Comparative placement of the innovation in the specific area (National / International)
CSIR-CFTRI novel process is unique and there are no competing technologies existing elsewhere.
Process parameters | Traditional process | Novel method |
---|---|---|
Post -harvest storage in open fields | 59 days | 7 days |
Loss | 10-20% Polishing loss | No polishing –no loss |
Turmeric powder yield | 80-90% | 100% |
Financial benefit | Reduced return | 10-20% additional |
Cost of processing | Rs. 75/kg | Rs.78/kg |
Hardship to the worker | More | NIL |
Cooking/heat treatment of rhizomes | Cooking rhizomes by use | No cooking of rhizomes |
of agri-fuel | ||
Hygienic Practice | Poor | No human intervention as processed through machines |
e) Strategic impact
Indian Spice Industry is holding the top position in the world market in the export of spices and spice products. The IPR generated will not only provide technological and economic benefits to India, but also prevent undue exploitation offered unscrupulous agencies. In view of this, India will continue to be a global leader in the production of best quality/hygienic turmeric powder.
The results (Table.1 & Fig.1) clearly show the advantage of the novel technology in terms of high volatile oil content, curcumin content, & reduced total plate count.
Market potential
Turmeric processing clusters/industries in India as well as processing units around the Globe
Turmeric processing by the traditional method is well established. Application of this technology is aimed at improving the overall productivity and thus innovation can be applied to upgrade the market potential.
(Content shared by Dr. M. Madhava Naidu, Chief Scientist & Head, Spice and Flavour Sciences, CSIR-CFTRI, Mysore)