Consider the following statements about turmeric during the year 2022-23: 

  1. India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world.  
  2. More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown in India.  
  3. Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are major turmeric producing States in India.  

Which of the statements given above are correct?  

  • I and II only   
  • II and III only   
  • I and III only   
  • I, II and III  

Answer: (d) I, II and III 

  • The Government of India in 2023 constituted the National Turmeric Board. This board is designed to coordinate efforts across various ministries and institutions to enhance production, promote exports, encourage value addition, and improve income for turmeric farmers.
  • According to official data for the year 2022–23, India had a turmeric cultivation area of approximately 3.24 lakh hectares, producing 11.61 lakh tonnes of turmeric. India alone accounted for over 75% of global turmeric production, making it by far the largest producer of turmeric in the world. Furthermore, India is also the top exporter of turmeric, accounting for over 62% of the global turmeric trade.
  • India’s diverse soil types and climatic conditions enable the cultivation of more than 30 known varieties of turmeric across various states. Each variety differs in aspects such as curcumin content, aroma, colour, and market use.
  • Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are consistently among the top turmeric producers in India.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
  • Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a tropical perennial plant belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). 
  • Climate: Requires a warm and humid climate with a temperature range of 20°C to 35°C.
  • Rainfall: High annual rainfall is necessary, typically 1,500 mm or more. It can be grown as both a rainfed and an irrigated crop.
  • Soil: Thrives best in well-drained sandy or clayey loam soils with a pH range of 4.5–7.5 and high organic matter. It cannot tolerate waterlogging or alkalinity.
  • Altitude: Can be cultivated from sea level up to 1,500 m above mean sea level.
  • Properties:
    • Active ingredient in turmeric called curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
      • Traditionally used for disorders of the skin, upper respiratory tract, joints, digestive system etc.
    • A natural indicator that changes color depending on the pH of a solution.
Turmeric production in India
  • Area under turmeric cultivation: 3.05 lakh hectare with 30 varieties (2023-24)
  • Production:70% of global turmeric production
    • Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh together contribute 63.4% of India’s turmeric production.
  • Export: >62% share of world trade in turmeric
    • The leading export markets for Indian Turmeric are Bangladesh, UAE, USA and Malaysia.
  • Turmeric in India with GI Tag: 
    • Maharashtra: Sangli Turmeric, Waigaon Turmeric
    • Tamil Nadu: Erode Manjal (Erode Turmeric)
    • Meghalaya: Lakadong Turmeric 
    • Odisha: Kandhamal turmeric
Turmeric Production in India
National Turmeric Board
  • It has been established to promote the cultivation, production, processing, and marketing of turmeric in India and to enhance the income of turmeric farmers.
    • The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has increased its product-dedicated boards to six, after tea, coffee, rubber, spices, and tobacco. 
  • Board Representation: The Board will consist of a Chairperson appointed by the Central Government with representatives of the Ministry of AYUSH, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Department of Commerce, along with rotating senior representatives from three states. 
  • Key Objectives: Farmer welfare across 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and others.
    • Promoting research, new products, and value addition for domestic and international markets. 
    • Raising awareness about turmeric’s medical benefits.