The turmeric factory, in Region One will be commissioned within two months’ time at the beginning of the harvesting period for the crop under cultivation.
The commissioning of the factory is slow but sure to happen, this is according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Dr. Oudho Homenauth.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Dr. Oudho Homenauth
“What is actually holding it back is getting the supplies in because it is a nine-month crop basically so sometime in September or October when the harvest commences the factory will be operationalized.”
The factory is located at Hososroro Hill in Mabaruma, Region One. The plant had been purposefully set up to manufacture fresh turmeric rhizomes from cultivations within the region. This project will at the same time, provide jobs for persons in the area.
Dr. Homenauth added that the factory when commissioned “can manage one ton every three days in terms of processing and drying.” The cultivation of turmeric and other spices such as ginger is also underway.
Turmeric is currently produced on a semi-commercial scale. It is expected that the operationalisation of this factory will improve and increase local turmeric production. NAREI is also looking to establish orchard cultivations for citrus at Hosororo Hill.
