02/04/2026
Rahul Gupta (IAS), the District Collector, Hingoli District, has launched a unique initiative to promote turmeric-based products at a wider level. This comprehensive initiative is aimed at boosting rural income, promoting entrepreneurship, and empowering women's self-help groups.
Under this initiative, an attractive gift box has been created featuring a range of turmeric-based items. The specially designed box includes turmeric powder, kumkum, turmeric soap, turmeric cream, curcumin, turmeric oil, and other related products-totaling eight different items. These products have been packaged under the theme "Hingoli's Yellow Gold."
These products are being manufactured by women's self-help groups, helping them move towards financial independence. All items are being marketed in attractive packaging.
The Focus is also on value addition and women empowerment, as women groups are being involved in this initiative and they are getting job works.
Turmeric cultivation forms significant share of the district's GDP, says collector. The district is set to carve out a distinct identity as a hub for turmeric-based industries.
Emerging as a turmeric district Once considered a backward dis- trict in the Mara- thwada region, Hingoli has now earned rec- ognition as a tur- meric district. District collector Rahul Gupta stated that a fo- cused push on turmeric cultiva- tion and processing will strengthen the local economy and generate sus- tainable livelihood opportunities,
The administration aims to generate revenue of over Rs 1 crore from these products by Diwali. Four self-help groups-Pooja Mahila Group (Nasratpur), Shivshakti Group (Malshiras), Rajlaxmi Group (Goregaon), and Durga Mata Group (Umra)-have taken the lead in turmeric processing.
In addition, plans are underway to start local manufacturing of packaging boxes, which are currently sourced from outside the district. This move is expected to create more employment opportunities and encourage the growth of small-scale industries.
He noted that turmeric is culti- vated across approximately 3.15 lakh hectares in the country, of which nearly 45,000 hectares are in Hingoli alone. Turmeric cultivation, he added, contributes a substantial growth.
Notably, a turmeric processing and research unit named after late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray has already been sanc- tioned at Vasmat.
The administration is also work- ing to position Hingoli under the 'One District One Product' initia tive, with a focus on branding and marketing turmeric-based products, along with developing at- tractive packaging to enhance market appeal. Officials believe that the initiative will not only enhance farmers' incomes but also help build a strong industrial and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the district.
