Evaluation of Post-Harvest Practices on Turmeric (Curcuma Longa Linn) In Relation to Quality among Selected Four Barangays of MarantaoLanao Del Sur

Abstract

Growing turmeric is ideal since this crop has wider adaptability in terms of climate and soil condition. This crop can provide more benefits because of its medical and nutritional value. It adds palatability to dishes, and can be considered as income alternative crop during period of cash scarcity. Most housewives living in the local areas are motivated to grow turmeric because of its advantages. The demand of turmeric rhizomes is high and the crop was marked as high-valued crops. Since it is an ingredient in the preparation of the dishes by most people not only in Lanaodel Sur but throughout the country, the availability of this crop should always be within reach. Part of the turmeric that is used in the rhizome which is processed into powder form before it is used as ingredient in food preparation, and sometimes a cash earning endeavor. Turmeric powder processing can be considered as an old practice in household since it has many uses. The objective of this research was to obtain information about post-harvest practices among turmeric growers and powder processors in four selected barangays of Marantao, Lanaodel Sur. To this aim, participant were distributed a survey questionnaire made simple to provide the respondents an easy way in answering. It was found outthat turmeric growing is highly profitable because of its market potential, and it can be a source of additional income to housewives because backyard growing is feasible, even if the area is partly shaded provided that the4 area is reach in organic matter, the growing of this crop is feasible. The culture is simple because it does not require any chemical fertilizer. In powder processing, the method is easy because simple grinder or pestle with mortar can be used.