Patanjali, the Haridwar-based herbal and Ayurvedic products company founded by Yog guru Baba Ramdev, will procure 50,000 tonnes of organic turmeric annually from Uttar Pradesh farmers.
Patanjali recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) of Bahraich district for the proposed procurement.
The three FPOs are Pratyush Bioenergy Farmer Producer Company Limited, Veerangana Laxmibai Mahila Kisan Nirmat Company Limited, and CSC Raj Kisan Utpadak Company Limited.
Bahraich District Magistrate Monica Rani said in accordance with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision, steps are being undertaken to promote natural produce under the flagship One District One Product (ODOP) scheme.
As part of these efforts, 86 FPOs have been established in Bahraich for boosting the farm income.
“An MoU has now been signed between three FPOs of Bahraich and Baba Ramdev’s company to ensure fair pricing for turmeric and other agricultural produce,” she added.
The MoU was formalised in Haridwar in the presence of Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna and other senior officials.
Rani said the Mihinpurwa area of Bahraich, with its natural resources, fertile soil and favorable climate, is highly suitable for organic farming.
Turmeric, Jimikand (Elephant Foot Yam), and green vegetables are extensively cultivated in the area, and supplied to other places, et the farmers could not fetch remunerative prices. The latest MoU will address this challenge and boost farmers’ incomes.
“Baba Ramdev’s company will facilitate the sale and marketing of 45,000-50,000 tonnes of turmeric annually, cultivated across approximately 2,000 hectares at an average yield of 20 to 25 tonnes per hectare,” she added.
The turmeric production involves 1,880 male and 975 female farmers associated with the three FPOs.
The Yogi Adityanath government is actively promoting organic farming in UP.
Additionally, jimikand is being cultivated over 150 hectares, yielding a total production of 5,250 tonnes at an average of 30-35 tonnes per hectare.
This crop is also in high demand both in the local and national markets. Similarly, green vegetables are being cultivated across more than 600 hectares in the region.