News
Ban stays despite market being swamped with tainted turmeric
Despite the severe shortage of turmeric powder in the country and several importers and organisations requesting that stocks detained at the Colombo Port be released, the government is standing firm in its decision to stop imports.
The Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) last week said that about one million kilograms of turmeric seized will be re-exported to the country of origin.
Sri Lanka imports about 5,000 metric tons from India.
Customs has detained about 62 containers with one container holding 18 tons.
The government in December banned imports of cardamon, ginger, cloves, and turmeric.
Since then, though, smugglers from India have become active and the navy has made some seizures.
The Customs Director General, Sunil Jayaratne, said that all options about the seized turmeric were discussed keeping in mind the small-scale farmers’ interest.
“There were three options — to release as per importer’s request, destroy, or re-export, and we took the last option,’’ he said.
Releasing the turmeric to the market would have only encouraged more imports.
Destroying the stock would badly affect Indian traders because credit facilities had been used for imports. Importers will be asked to re-export at their expense.
Meanwhile, illegal imports will be destroyed, he said.
The Department of Export Agriculture, said that farmers have already cultivated 1,500 hectares and the harvest will be ready by next January.
Director General Dr. A. P. Heenkanda, said about 22,000 metric tons of raw turmeric will be available. When dried and processed, this would produce 3,500 metric tons that will meet half of the country’s requirements.
Farmers in the dry zone will cultivate turmeric in up to 200 hectares, next month.
Also plans are ahead to train farmers on drying and processing turmeric with financial assistance for purchase of machines for processing.
Cultivation of turmeric in home gardens will also be promoted and those interested will be educated on harvesting periods, the process of boiling, and drying.
Also the DEA is planning on buying turmeric from farmers for the sole distribution of seeds
to farmers. “When we become self sufficient, we can look at export markets,’’ he said.
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) asks consumers to be alert when buying turmeric powder because of adulteration with wheat and rice flour, and the use of artificial colouring.
“Around 50% of the turmeric sold in the market is adulterated,’’ the deputy director general Asela Bandara said.
Raids are being carried out it markets, and wholesale and retail shops.
Last month, in 140 raids, 40 suspicious samples were taken and sent to labs for analysis.
The controlled price for turmeric powder is Rs. 750 a kilogram.
However, he said that considering the present situation and to encourage local farmers, the price should be revised upward.
Mr. Bandara advises buying trusted brands. And those who are buying unpackaged turmeric should smell for its spicy odour and buy only if it is dark yellow