Lakadong Turmeric Showcased at G7 Summit 2026

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased Meghalaya’s GI-tagged Lakadong Turmeric among the curated gifts presented to world leaders during the 52nd G7 Summit held in Evian, France. The move brought global attention to Meghalaya’s agricultural heritage and GI-tagged products.

Key Highlights

• Lakadong Turmeric was selected as one of India’s premium heritage products for presentation to G7 leaders.
• It is cultivated mainly in the West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.
• The turmeric is globally renowned for its exceptionally high curcumin content (around 6.8–7.5%, with some reports citing even higher levels under specific conditions).
• Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma thanked the Prime Minister, stating that the recognition highlighted Meghalaya’s agricultural excellence before the world.
• Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia described Lakadong as Meghalaya’s “golden ambassador of wellness.”

About Lakadong Turmeric

Location

• Grown primarily in Lakadong and surrounding villages of West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya.

Special Features

• Dark yellow colour.
• High curcumin content.
• Strong medicinal and antioxidant properties.
• Widely used in nutraceuticals, wellness products, pharmaceuticals and food processing industries.

GI Status

• Awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2024.

Contribution of Trinity Saioo

• Padma Shri awardee Trinity Saioo played a major role in organizing farmers and promoting Lakadong Turmeric nationally and internationally.

GI Tag – Quick Revision

What is a GI Tag?

A Geographical Indication (GI) identifies products whose quality, reputation, or characteristics are linked to a specific geographical origin.

Governing Law

• Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

GI Registry

• Chennai.

First GI-Tagged Product of India

✅ Darjeeling Tea

• Received India’s first GI registration in 2004–05.
• Produced in the Darjeeling hills of West Bengal.
• Known as the “Champagne of Teas.”

Special Note: Meghalaya’s GI-Tagged Products

Textiles

Meghalaya Ryndia

• Traditional Eri silk (“Peace Silk”).
• Produced through non-violent and sustainable methods.

Meghalaya Khasi Handloom

• Traditional handwoven textiles of the Khasi community.

Garo Dakmanda

• Traditional wrap-around attire of Garo women.
• GI-tagged in 2024.

Agriculture & Horticulture

Lakadong Turmeric

• GI-tagged spice from West Jaintia Hills.
• Recently showcased at the G7 Summit 2026.

Khasi Mandarin (Soh Niamtra)

• Premium orange variety known for flavour and juiciness.

Arts & Crafts

Larnai (Lyrnai) Pottery

• Traditional black pottery of Jaintia Hills.
• Produced without glazing.
• GI-tagged in 2024.

Traditional Beverage

Garo Chubitchi

• Traditional rice-based fermented beverage of the Garo tribe.
• GI-recognized cultural product of Meghalaya.

Significance of the G7 Showcase

1. Enhances international visibility of Meghalaya’s agricultural products.
2. Promotes exports of GI-tagged products.
3. Strengthens India’s GI-based branding strategy.
4. Supports farmers’ income and rural entrepreneurship.
5. Demonstrates the role of indigenous products in cultural diplomacy and soft power.

Exam Pointers

✔ First GI-tagged product of India – Darjeeling Tea
✔ Lakadong Turmeric – West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya
✔ Lakadong Turmeric GI Tag – 2024
✔ Famous for high curcumin content
✔ Showcased by PM Modi at G7 Summit 2026
✔ Trinity Saioo is associated with promotion of Lakadong Turmeric
✔ Meghalaya GI products include Ryndia, Khasi Handloom, Garo Dakmanda, Lakadong Turmeric, Khasi Mandarin, Larnai Pottery and Garo Chubitchi.

Practice Questions

1. In 2025, which Meghalayan product(s) received GI tag?

LDA {SECTT} MAY 2025

(A) Ryndia silk and Khasi handloom

(B) Lakadong turmeric

(C) Garo Dakmanda

(D) Chubitchi

2. Lakadong Turmeric, recently showcased at the G7 Summit 2026, is primarily cultivated in which district of Meghalaya?

(A) East Khasi Hills
(B) West Jaintia Hills
(C) South Garo Hills
(D) Ri-Bhoi

Answer: (B) West Jaintia Hills

3. Lakadong Turmeric received Geographical Indication (GI) status in:

(A) 2022
(B) 2023
(C) 2024
(D) 2025

Answer: (C) 2024

4. The 52nd G7 Summit, where Lakadong Turmeric was showcased, was held in:

(A) Italy
(B) Germany
(C) Canada
(D) France

Answer: (D) France

5. Which of the following statements regarding Lakadong Turmeric is correct?

1. It is grown mainly in West Jaintia Hills.
2. It has high curcumin content.
3. It received GI status in 2024.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3

6. Trinity Saioo, associated with Lakadong Turmeric, is a recipient of which civilian award?

(A) Padma Vibhushan
(B) Padma Bhushan
(C) Padma Shri
(D) Arjuna Award

Answer: (C) Padma Shri

7. Which Union Minister referred to Lakadong Turmeric as Meghalaya’s “golden ambassador of wellness”?

(A) Amit Shah
(B) Jyotiraditya Scindia
(C) Piyush Goyal
(D) Nitin Gadkari

Answer: (B) Jyotiraditya Scindia

8. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act was enacted in:

(A) 1986
(B) 1991
(C) 1999
(D) 2005

Answer: (C) 1999

9. Where is the GI Registry of India located?

(A) Mumbai
(B) New Delhi
(C) Kolkata
(D) Chennai

Answer: (D) Chennai

10. Which was the first product to receive a GI tag in India?

(A) Basmati Rice
(B) Darjeeling Tea
(C) Alphonso Mango
(D) Mysore Silk

Answer: (B) Darjeeling Tea

11. Lakadong Turmeric is internationally renowned for its high content of:

(A) Piperine
(B) Capsaicin
(C) Curcumin
(D) Caffeine

Answer: (C) Curcumin

MCS Prelims Practice Question

12. Consider the following statements regarding Lakadong Turmeric:

1. It is mainly cultivated in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya.
2. It is known for its exceptionally high curcumin content.
3. It received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2024.
4. It was showcased by the Prime Minister of India during the G7 Summit 2026.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2, 3 and 4 only
(C) 1, 2 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Meghalaya MCS Mains Practice Question

12. Discuss the significance of Geographical Indication (GI) tags in promoting regional products. Examine how the global recognition of Lakadong Turmeric at the G7 Summit 2026 can contribute to Meghalaya’s economy, rural livelihoods, and cultural diplomacy. (250 words)