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Welcome to
HONOURABLE BALASAHEB THACKERAY
HARIDRA RESEARCH & TRAINING CENTER
Government of Maharashtra
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SHRI. DEVENDRA FADNAVIS

Hon. Chief Minister

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SHRI. EKNATH SHINDE

Hon. Deputy Chief Minister

ajit-pawar

SHRI. AJIT PAWAR

Hon. Deputy Chief Minister

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SHRI. BHARATSHETH GOGAWALE

Hon. Minster of Horticulture

Hemant Patil

SHRI. HEMANT PATIL

Hon. Chairman

Hon. Chairman’s Note

Maharashtra is an agrarian state, and its farmers are known for their hard work and openness to innovation. In this land, turmeric is not just a crop rich in medicinal properties, but also a key pillar of financial stability for many farming families.

I consider it a great honor to have been entrusted by the Government of Maharashtra with the responsibility of formulating the state’s Turmeric Policy. Through this policy, we have aimed to create a strong roadmap for farmers covering turmeric production, processing, marketing, export, and research.

Over a period of nearly two years, we conducted in-depth discussions with experts from various fields, farmers, and concerned departments, leading to the comprehensive framework of this policy. It emphasizes not only traditional practices but also the integration of modern technology, global market insights, and agricultural biotechnology.

I am confident that this policy will help Maharashtra’s turmeric gain global recognition and enable our farmers to receive better value for their produce.

I sincerely thank all the experts, officials, farmer representatives, and associated government bodies who contributed to the preparation of this policy.

With collective efforts, I believe we are on the brink of a new golden era for turmeric farming in Maharashtra.

Best wishes to all involved!

Hon. Hemant Patil

Chairman, Turmeric Research & Processing Study Committee

Properties and Uses of Turmeric

Medicinal Properties
Turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, choleretic, anti-microbial, anti-rheumatic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, cytotoxic, spasmolytic, hypersensitivity-reducing, anti-diabetic, and anti-hepatotoxic properties.
Tablets can be made from turmeric. Curcumin extracted from turmeric is used in nutraceuticals, pharmaceutical products, and cosmetic formulations.
Anti-Cancer Activity
Turmeric can be blended into various juices and food products to exhibit anti-cancer properties.
Anti-Acidic (Antioxidant) Activity
It helps prevent oxidation of fats and oils in the body and blood, thereby supporting overall health.
Anti-Microbial Activity
Turmeric helps preserve food for a longer time and combats various pathogenic microbes and infections.
Biological Pest Control
Extract, fresh juice, and essential (volatile) oil obtained from turmeric are effective against various plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria, such as Ralstonia solanacearum, Xanthomonas oryzae, Helminthosporium sacchari, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides & Rhizoctonia solani
Pathogen Resistance
Turmeric oil is effective as a mosquito repellent, housefly repellent, and aphid control agent.

Turmeric Policy A Well-Thought Initiative

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From Farm to Global Market: Strengthening
Maharashtra’s Turmeric Industry

Turmeric is an integral part of daily life and holds importance in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Maharashtra is a major turmeric-producing state, especially in regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha. Considering the need for a comprehensive approach to promote turmeric, the Turmeric Research and Training Committee has proposed a “Turmeric Policy” after in-depth discussions. The policy aims to ensure the prosperity of turmeric farmers by improving production, quality, processing, value addition, and global marketing. This initiative is supported by various departments including Agriculture, Marketing, Food, Medical, Health, and AYUSH, along with national and international organizations.

Objectives of the Turmeric Research and Processing Policy

  1. Understand the challenges faced by turmeric-producing farmers and provide them with affordable, reliable, and practical technologies.
  2. Reduce the cultivation costs for turmeric farmers, increase their income significantly, and provide them with financial stability.
  3. Develop ideal methods for turmeric cultivation.
  4. Recommend suitable mechanization currently available for turmeric harvesting and processing.
  5. Develop a market chain for turmeric packaging, marketing, branding, and export.
  6. Ensure farmers benefit by integrating various government schemes through convergence.
  7. Resolve the issues faced by farmers, processors, and exporters related to the entire value chain — from cultivation to marketing of turmeric.

Need for a Turmeric Policy

Turmeric is recognized as an important cash crop. However, since farmers are not receiving adequate financial benefits, there is a need for a comprehensive turmeric policy that brings all stakeholders together to address the challenges faced at every stage—from cultivation to harvesting, processing, and marketing—and to suggest effective solutions.
Currently, considering the negligible participation of farmer-producer companies in turmeric marketing and exports, there is a strong need for a policy to significantly enhance turmeric marketing and export activities.

Proposed Items under Turmeric Research and Protection Policy

  • 1
    Turmeric Seed/Plantation
  • 2
    Turmeric Seed Bank
  • 3
    Fiber Improvement Laboratory
  • 4
    Organic Turmeric Cultivation Soil and Water Testing
  • 5
    Water Conservation and Irrigation Management
  • 6
    Agricultural Mechanization and Agricultural Equipment Bank
  • 7
    Turmeric harvesting, handling, and processing
  • 8
    Management of pests and diseases in turmeric crop
  • 9
    Marketing, packing, labeling, and branding of turmeric
  • 10
    Use of IT in turmeric production
  • 11
    Adulteration in turmeric
  • 12
    GST taxation on turmeric
  • 13
    Turmeric extension services
  • 14
    Crop insurance and disaster management
  • 15
    Loan and financial support
  • 16

    Availability of Funding