Chennai, Nov 10 (NationPress) Turmeric farmers in Erode, Tamil Nadu, are preparing for a significant transformation in their selling methods, transitioning from traditional auction systems to a digital marketplace via the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) platform.

This shift is prompted by persistent dissatisfaction with the conventional auction practices that have not provided satisfactory prices to farmers.

The e-NAM platform, which is backed by the Central Government and executed by the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), facilitates transparent electronic trade of agricultural products throughout India.

Farmers and traders in Erode are set to commence online auctions by the end of this month, with training sessions underway to familiarize them with the new system.

Experts anticipate that the digital portal will grant access to a broader buyer network, enabling farmers to tap into new markets and achieve improved prices.

This transition is expected to reduce the influence of middlemen and enhance the overall transparency and competitiveness of the trading process.

Prior to uploading the produce for auction, turmeric will undergo scientific grading and standardization. This process will assess the total curcuminoid content, the critical component responsible for turmeric's vivid color and health benefits, through spectrophotometer testing.

This guarantees quality verification within moments, replacing the lengthy conventional laboratory testing methods. Based on both physical and chemical criteria, the produce will be sorted into various quality grades, fostering uniformity and trust between buyers and sellers.

Farmers have long criticized the archaic marketing practices of the Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board (TNSAMB) for the stagnant pricing trends. The traditional system, heavily influenced by middlemen, often left farmers with only a fraction of the final market price.

Erode, along with nearby districts such as Coimbatore and Tirupur, is a significant turmeric cultivation area in Tamil Nadu. Important cultivation regions include Kodumudi, Sivagiri, Bhavani, Gobichettipalayam, Anthiyur, Chennampatti, Sathyamangalam, and Thalavady.

Among the two prominent varieties cultivated in the area—Chinna Nadan and Perum Nadan—the former is highly desired for its vibrant color, strong fragrance, and disease resistance. Tamil Nadu previously had over 100,000 turmeric farmers, but this number has nearly halved due to price fluctuations and repeated losses.

With approximately 30,000 farmers still active in Erode alone, the transition to e-NAM brings new hope for increased income and renewed interest in turmeric cultivation.