Jaintia woman who led turmeric farming in Meghalaya among 141 Padma Awardees

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 25, 2020

JOWAI: A fifty-two-year old woman from Jaintia Hills region was conferred with the Padma Shri award for her distinguished service in spearheading the women-led turmeric farming movement in Meghalaya enabling the women farmers to triple their income.

Trinity Saioo, a school teacher by profession, was one among 34 women who were awarded with the highest civilian Awards of the country.

The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.

These awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year.

This year the President has approved conferment of 141 Padma Awards including 4 duo cases.

Saioo led 800 women in Jaintia Hills region to cultivate and boost the popularity of indigenous, high curcumin content Lakadong variety of turmeric.

She has helped the illiterate women with organic certification, marketing, documentation to avail subsidies.

What started with 800 farmers, now has 100 turmeric self help groups (SHGs) in her federation. Under her leadership, foundation exports Lakadong turmeric across North eastern states and as further Kerala and Kartanaka. Saioo also helped the state further Mission Lakadong, mobilizing growers and expanding the area of Lakadong turmeric farming.