KATHMANDU: At the time when Prime Minister KP Oli’s statement in Parliament that ‘consumption of turmeric enhances immunity and prevents coronavirus infection’ is being widely discussed in the country, data show Nepal has not become self-sufficient in turmeric production.

In the first ten months of the current fiscal year, Nepal has imported turmeric and its raw materials worth Rs 279.51 million.

As the local production could not meet the demand in the market, the data of the customs department has shown that the goods worth Rs 280 million were imported, media reports said on Sunday.