Site-suitability Analysis for Turmeric in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, India, using Analytical Hierarchical Process and Weighted Overlay Analysis:A Comparative Approach

India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). The Lakadong variety of turmeric is endemic to Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, India. It is considered as the best quality turmeric containing 7.5% curcumin, which is about three times higher than the other varieties (2–3%). This study identifies potential sites for turmeric cultivation in Jaintia Hills using geospatial techniques, viz. analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and weighted overlay analysis (WOA). WOA identified a total of 162,263.70 ha suitable for the expansion of Lakadong variety of turmeric in Jaintia Hills, of which 18% was highly suitable, 31% moderately suitable and 32% was marginally suitable. In the case of AHP, 21% area was found to be highly suitable, 25% moderately suitable and 45% marginally suitable.