Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – Production, Uses, and Status

About Turmeric:

• Botanical name: Curcuma longa

• Uses: Widely used as a condiment, dye, medicine, cosmetic, and in religious rituals.

• Native to: India

• Renewed interest: Owing to its antiviral properties, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

India’s Position:

• Global leader: India produces 78% of the world’s turmeric.

• Top Producing States (2020–21):

  • Telangana

  • Maharashtra

  • Karnataka

  • Tamil Nadu

  • Andhra Pradesh

Cultivation Requirements:

• Climate: Tropical; 20–35°C, >1500 mm annual rainfall

• Altitude: Sea level to 1500 m

• Soil: Best in well-drained sandy/clay loam soils; pH 4.5–7.5, rich in organic matter.

Popular Varieties:

• Duggirala, Tekkurpet, Sugandham, Amalapuram, Erode Local, Salem, Alleppey, Moovattupuzha, Lakdong

Land and Plantation Practices:

• Land prepared with early monsoon; tilled 4 times to achieve fine tilth.

• Ridges and furrows formed for planting.

• Uses whole or split rhizomes; must be healthy and disease-free.

Trends & Challenges:

• Consistent growth in production till 2010–11, followed by fluctuations.

• COVID-19 impact: Production rose by 23% due to increased demand.

• Farmer concerns: Despite rising production and exports, price realisation for farmers remains poor.