Turmeric Cultivation in India

India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric, mainly grown in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Odisha. It thrives in warm, humid climates (20–35°C), well-drained loamy soils (pH 5.5–7.5), and requires 1500–2500 mm rainfall.

Popular varieties include Erode Local, Alleppey Finger, Suvarna, and IISR Prabha. Processing involves boiling, drying, polishing, and grinding, with value-added products like curcumin extract, turmeric oil, and supplements.

India supplies 80% of the world’s turmeric, exporting to USA, UAE, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, with an export value exceeding $200 million. Turmeric is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunity-boosting properties, making it a profitable crop with high global demand in spices, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. ?