Turmeric research and processing
Selection of seed material is a critical factor for turmeric cultivation. Turmeric can be cultivated using mother rhizomes, finger rhizomes, or saplings. Currently, most turmeric farmers use mother rhizomes for planting. It has been observed that the use of mother rhizomes results in higher turmeric yield compared to finger rhizomes or sapling-based methods. In addition to yield, turmeric producers also gain additional produce from sorya/kochaturmeric. A parallel market for sorya/kocha turmeric exists in the state, which is used in kumkum (vermilion) production and curcumin extraction.
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and other agricultural universities in the state have recommended planting single-bud rhizomes using the pro-tray method. However, this method has shown reduced turmeric yield and curcumin content, and does not result in sorya/kocha, making it less suitable for widespread recommendation at the field level.
In Maharashtra, popular varieties of turmeric such as Rajapuri, Gadavi, PDKV Vaigaon, Nizamabadi, Tekurpeta, Salem, and Krishna are cultivated. However, there is a need to screen genotypes of superior, high-yielding, quality varieties developed in other states (e.g., Saguna, IISR Pragati, Lakadong, etc.) and study their adaptability to local climatic conditions.
Annexure A includes details of various varieties developed by research institutions in other states. It is proposed to conduct comparative cultivation trials of these varieties in different regions of the state, especially focusing on yield, curcumin, and oleoresin content, through agricultural universities. Based on the outcomes, region-specific variety recommendations will be made. Additionally, it is proposed to ensure the supply of reliable seed material of the currently high-yielding popular varieties.
At present, turmeric farmers primarily use home-saved seed rhizomes available with them. Due to the continued use of home-saved seeds over the years, the rate of seed replacement in turmeric cultivation is very low. The performance of any variety depends 75% on its genetics and 25% on external factors. Continuous cultivation of the same mother rhizome variety in the same environment over several years results in a decline in productivity due to the influence of external factors such as climate, soil, and water.
Considering this, it is important to preserve the genetic traits of various turmeric varieties, maintain disease-free and quality mother rhizomes, and make them available for propagation. To ensure the availability of varieties for the development of improved ones based on genetic traits such as pest and disease resistance, yield potential, and other characteristics, it is proposed to establish a Turmeric Seed Bank at the agricultural university level.
Since turmeric seed rhizomes tend to lose moisture during storage, reducing their germination capacity, it is also proposed to provide improved seed storage facilities. In order to encourage seed replacement among farmers, it is proposed that universities/research institutes periodically provide high-quality, high-yielding certified seed material to farmers, Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). These entities will then establish turmeric seed plots and supply certified turmeric seed to other farmers at reasonable prices.
Furthermore, there is a need to establish nurseries through agricultural universities, government horticulture centers, individual farmers, and farmer producer companies. These nurseries will be standardized and used to provide quality turmeric saplings for large-scale plantation purposes.
To preserve the fundamental traits of turmeric varieties according to climatic and soil conditions, ensure the availability of pest- and disease-free planting material, and enable large-scale sapling production in a short time, it is essential to establish advanced nurseries based on high-end technology.
Currently, in certain regions, turmeric regeneration through tissue culture is being carried out using plant parts such as eyes (buds), leaves, stems, and rhizomes of high-curcumin varieties. These regenerated parts are used for curcumin production. Some private enterprises have already initiated curcumin production using such methods.
In this context, it is proposed to establish a Tissue Culture Laboratory at the state level to explore the potential of tissue culture in turmeric cultivation. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has developed a tissue culture-based technology for regenerating turmeric. It is proposed to use this tissue culture technology through a collaborative approach between BARC and agricultural universities.
In the state, soils typically exhibit low to medium nitrogen, high potash, and low organic carbon content. Turmeric is cultivated in lateritic soils of Konkan and eastern Vidarbha, light loamy soils of western Maharashtra, and black and heavy soils of Marathwada. Turmeric requires a high amount of nutrients. However, it has been observed that many turmeric growers do not conduct soil testing prior to cultivation. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct soil and water testing before turmeric plantation. It is proposed to prepare a soil fertility index map for villages in turmeric-producing districts.
Integrated Nutrient Management:
As turmeric is a tuber crop, higher levels of organic carbon in the soil are essential for proper tuber development. To achieve higher yields, recommendations for the required quantity of farmyard manure and compost per hectare are needed. In Vidarbha, the presence of alkaline calcium is higher, which often leads to deficiencies of micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and boron. Hence, turmeric-growing farmers must adopt integrated nutrient (fertilizer) management based on soil testing.
The ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode has developed a micronutrient mix for acidic and alkaline soils. Additionally, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University has developed a bio-mix. It is proposed that agricultural universities conduct studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the micronutrient mix and bio-mix and provide necessary recommendations. Similarly, it is proposed that agricultural universities recommend integrated nutrient management based on soil testing and tissue, leaf, and stem analysis.
This will help reduce unnecessary fertilizer use and, consequently, reduce production costs. For this purpose, it is proposed to establish tissue, leaf, and stem testing laboratories. Recommendations for precise fertilizer application through fertigation methods will also be developed to enhance fertilizer efficiency and savings.
Traditionally, turmeric is cultivated on ridges and furrows using surface irrigation methods. However, this method does not promote proper tuber development. Therefore, it is essential to adopt broad bed and furrow (raised bed) planting along with drip irrigation, which ensures efficient and optimal use of available water, ultimately leading to improved productivity. Expanding the area under drip irrigation is necessary to achieve this.
Subsurface Irrigation Method:
To support better plant growth and achieve higher yields, it is important to maintain adequate soil moisture, reduce evaporation from the soil surface, and address challenges in soils with low water retention and high infiltration rates—particularly in areas where surface irrigation is not feasible and sprinkler systems are expensive. It is proposed to study the feasibility of subsurface irrigation methods in such areas. If proven beneficial, promotion of this irrigation method will be encouraged.
For turmeric cultivation, a large number of machines are required for land preparation, sowing, filling, harvesting, and processing. Most turmeric farmers are small and marginal landholders. At present, the number of laborers working on farms has decreased. Rising labor costs and unavailability of laborers at the required time have increased production costs, making the use of agricultural implements for planting, intercultural operations, and harvesting inevitable. Additionally, the use of pesticide spraying equipment for pest and disease control is also increasing.
Considering these factors and to ensure timely completion of tasks in irrigated farming, it is proposed to make available the following equipment on subsidy: tractor-operated turmeric planter, power tiller for intercultural operations and soil covering, spraying equipment, drone spraying equipment, power sprayer, turmeric harvesting machine, and bullock-drawn turmeric harvesting equipment.
Since it is not feasible for individual turmeric farmers to purchase all equipment and machinery, it is proposed to provide farm implements at affordable rental rates through Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) and Common Facility Centers (CFCs) operated by Farmer Producer Groups, Farmer Producer Companies, and Self-Help Groups. The details of the agricultural implements to be made available through CHCs and CFCs are provided in Annexure B.
Participation of Farmer Groups and Producer Institutions/Companies:
Due to the continuously increasing population, landholding sizes are decreasing. For small and marginal farmers, mechanized and modern farming is becoming difficult and costly. Therefore, it is proposed to form and strengthen farmer groups/self-help groups, and to provide them with facilities for mechanization, processing, spice parks, export support, etc., through farmer producer institutions/companies.
Turmeric crops are primarily affected by the rhizome fly pest as well as diseases like rhizome rot and leaf spot. It has been observed that the rhizome fly alone can cause more than 25 to 30 percent damage. Additionally, the presence of white grub infestation has also been noticed to some extent.
For integrated pest and disease management, it is proposed to provide farmers with subsidized pesticides through the Crop Protection Scheme implemented by the District Councils on behalf of the State Government, as well as through provisions under other schemes related to crop protection. It is also proposed to provide crop insurance coverage for damage caused by pests and natural calamities, and to use drones for pest and disease control.
To offer proper guidance to farmers regarding pest and disease management in turmeric, it is proposed to include turmeric in the pest and disease survey, advisory, and management project (HORTSAP) being implemented by the Agriculture Department for fruit crops.
For the biological control of rhizome fly, it is proposed to develop pheromone traps. Furthermore, it is proposed that agricultural universities obtain approval from the Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee for label claim insecticides and fungicides recommended for managing various pests and diseases affecting turmeric.
After harvesting turmeric, it is traditionally boiled, dried naturally under sunlight, and then polished. For this, turmeric boilers, polishers, and grading machines are required. These machines are expensive for individual farmers to own. Therefore, it is proposed to make these facilities available to turmeric producers on a rental basis through Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) or Common Facility Centres (CFCs) operated by Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). This aims to encourage the use of modern technology in turmeric processing, promote research, develop infrastructure for storage, and create mechanical facilities for post-harvest operations.
Post-harvest management of turmeric is a complex process. It has been observed that the essential beneficial compounds in turmeric fingers or powder prepared using traditional methods are reduced. Hence, the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) has developed and recommended a new processing method for turmeric post-harvest management. In this method, turmeric powder is prepared directly from the boiled rhizomes. Compared to traditional methods, the improved process reduces labor and fuel requirements. In this method, turmeric rhizomes are cut into slices and dried in a dryer for 8 to 12 hours. This helps preserve both the aroma and cleanliness of the turmeric. The improved process also significantly reduces the microbial load, which is why CFTRI has recommended processing turmeric using this method.
A comparative study of traditional and improved processing methods shows that the improved method is superior. Therefore, it is necessary to recommend adopting this process. Based on the detailed project report submitted by CFTRI for turmeric processing, the establishment of a Common Facility Centre (CFC) is proposed.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Powai, has developed a Resource Efficient Turmeric Process (RETP) Unit, taking into consideration that traditional turmeric processing is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and likely to cause contamination. This new method includes cleaning turmeric, slicing the rhizomes, boiling in a vacuum system, drying, powdering, and packaging. Using this method, turmeric powder can be produced from raw turmeric within two days, saving time and labor. The process enhances the quality and grade of the turmeric, ensures hygiene, and maintains a higher curcumin content, thereby allowing turmeric to fetch a better price in the market. In light of this, the adoption of IIT Powai’s turmeric processing technology is proposed based on its usefulness.
Additionally, when market prices are low, turmeric can be stored in storage facilities and cold storage units to enable farmers to sell it later at higher prices, leading to better financial returns. It is proposed to make such storage and cold storage facilities available. Through the Department of Industries, it is also proposed to provide land and infrastructure facilities for turmeric processing, and to prioritize and offer special concessions for turmeric industries to Self-Help Groups, Farmer Producer Companies, Farmer Producer Organizations, and startups.
The domestic, national, and international market for turmeric is extensive. Due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, there have been significant changes in people’s lifestyles and habits, leading to increased health consciousness. Considering the medicinal properties of turmeric and its extensive use in the cosmetics and food industries, there is a growing demand for turmeric in various sectors. Therefore, it is proposed to establish a Market Intelligence Cell to study the scope of turmeric in these industries, assess the demand in terms of quantity and quality, and develop a strategy for market entry.
To ensure that farmers receive better returns from turmeric, proposed measures include amending marketing laws and providing collective facilities such as procurement, processing, and cold storage under a unified centre. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre has developed radiation technology to increase the shelf life of agricultural products. This technology helps weaken the reproductive capacity of spoilage-causing microorganisms and pests, thereby increasing the shelf life of turmeric. Hence, alongside storage houses, providing radiation facilities for long-term storage of turmeric bulbs and fingers to farmers is also proposed.
In e-marketing, turmeric is also traded on the National Commodity Exchange through electronic trading. However, turmeric farmers and producer companies are yet to enter this market. Therefore, capacity building of turmeric producers regarding marketing is proposed. Marketing through group farming and farmer producer companies will help reduce intermediaries and provide better prices to farmers.
Currently, turmeric from Waigaon (Wardha) and Sangli has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status under the Geographical Indication (Registration & Protection) of Goods Act, 1988, by the GI Registry Office in Chennai. Considering the potential for a new GI registration for Hingoli turmeric, it is proposed to pursue GI registration for Koccha turmeric. Increasing the number of authorized users for GI-marked turmeric, forming groups of turmeric producers, and registering their turmeric areas through traceability networks to promote exports via the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and marketing channels is proposed. The use of GI marking can help farmers earn premium prices in exports. To ensure quality and safety in processing and exports, a dedicated turmeric traceability system for farm registration is also proposed.
Consumers today are increasingly health-conscious, which has led to a growing demand for labelled products. Therefore, it is necessary to supply farm produce in accordance with consumer needs and preferences. Farmers/producers need to adopt branding for their produce, as it increases recognition, business value, trust among customers, and attracts new buyers. Accordingly, the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board proposes to guide and financially support turmeric producers in appropriate packaging, labelling, branding, barcoding, website development, etc., for market development. To ensure marketing safety, setting up quality testing facilities for pesticide residues, curcumin content, heavy metals, microbes, nutrients, and other elements is also proposed.
Under the state’s agricultural export policy, a Cluster Facilitation Cell has been established under the chairmanship of the District Collector, Hingoli, for districts like Washim, Yavatmal, Sangli, Parbhani, Satara, Wardha, Hingoli, and Nanded. This cell will work to increase turmeric exports. Under the “One District One Product” initiative, Hingoli, Nanded, Yavatmal, and Wardha have been identified for spice crops, with collective promotion of turmeric cultivation. It is proposed to implement maximum schemes under the turmeric cluster and to start collective facility centres through the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
Turmeric has a high influx in markets such as Sangli, Vasmat, Hingoli, Nanded, Risod, Kurunda (Vasmat), Mumbai, Jintur, Bhokar, Sengao, and Jawla-Bazaar. It is proposed to install rapid curcumin testing units in 12 such market committees over the next five years. These will help processors purchase turmeric based on curcumin percentage and help farmers get fair market prices.
The Marketing Board currently organizes training programs on agricultural exports. Similarly, it is proposed to organize exclusive training programs on turmeric exports in collaboration with the Indian Spices Board. These programs will provide all necessary export-related information through experts.
To ensure permanent buyers for turmeric products of farmers and farmer-producer companies, it is proposed to organize regular annual buyer-seller meets. These events, bringing producers, buyers, and exporters under one roof, will benefit all stakeholders and help find buyers for GI-certified products. The Spice Board, APEDA, and other central government agencies will assist in organizing these meets. Specific quality and standards of turmeric are demanded by various countries, and a summary of this is provided in Annexure-D. Awareness programs for farmers and farmer-producer companies about the export requirements of various countries are proposed.
To help state-level turmeric producers and processors gain access to international markets and understand global standards, it is proposed to promote their products internationally through advertisements and participation in exhibitions. This exposure will help them understand how to improve their product quality to compete globally. The marketing board will provide encouragement for such initiatives.
Developing a turmeric value chain is also proposed. A value chain is an effective way to understand how the production, procurement, and sale of goods operate. All stakeholders — producers, processors, retailers, financiers, and consumers — are part of the value chain. On one end are the farmers who grow the crop, and on the other are consumers, with many businesses in between. Each entity adds value at a different stage. Banks offer loans, governments implement laws and policies, and research institutions help farmers participate effectively in the value chain.
From the value chain perspective, it becomes clear that if raw turmeric valued at Rs. 8 per kilo or $0.10 is processed correctly, it can fetch Rs. 6,000 or $80 per kilo. Traceability for global markets can be easily maintained through the value chain. If all stakeholders collaborate, everyone can earn better returns. Financial institutions will find it easy to fund any stakeholder in the chain. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds can also be redirected towards farmer empowerment. All stakeholders can produce better products, and each one becomes both a buyer and a supplier. This approach can help connect farmers directly to consumers, enabling them to access modern management tools, technologies, and marketing knowledge, thereby improving rural livelihoods.
Based on this background, it is proposed to develop a comprehensive turmeric value chain in coordination with all stakeholders involved in the turmeric industry.
Under the Pest and Disease Surveillance, Advisory, and Management Project (HORTSAP) implemented by the Department of Agriculture, turmeric has been included as a crop to monitor. Through a mobile application, data on pests and diseases affecting turmeric crops will be collected, and based on the intensity of the infestation, farmers will be provided with crop protection advice. An ICT-based information technology system will be developed to forecast pest and disease outbreaks. The mobile application (Krushi App) will also be used to provide advisory services related to turmeric production, weather conditions, fertilizer usage, market rates, and more. Geographic Information System (GIS) will be used to provide farmers with preventive advice regarding potential pest and disease threats to the turmeric crop. A turmeric web portal and Android application will be developed. Online webinars and training facilities will be created for various stakeholders such as farmers, farmer producer organizations, self-help groups, exporters, and small and medium enterprise (SME) units. A precision farming platform will be developed for spice crops in Maharashtra. Awareness campaigns about various government initiatives will be carried out through social media. Documentaries and success stories related to turmeric production, processing, export, and other associated activities will be created. IT-based systems will also be developed to integrate turmeric-related initiatives with other government schemes, and additional IT-based initiatives will be implemented as required.
Artificial turmeric is produced using substances such as wood powder, yellow corn flour, lead chromate, metanil yellow, and Rhodamine B. The use of artificial turmeric has adverse effects on health, contributing to water pollution and an increase in cancer cases. In this context, it is proposed to revise the standards for the use of artificial colors. Additionally, to prevent turmeric adulteration, it is proposed to enact a law to shut down factories that produce turmeric from wood powder. It is also proposed to introduce independent and concrete legislation to curb turmeric adulteration beyond the existing laws. Considering the widespread use of turmeric during religious rituals such as Bhandara, it is proposed to establish a state-level color policy.
At present, farmers themselves boil and dry raw turmeric. Treating this as a processing activity, the state government does not consider turmeric as agricultural produce and imposes a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on it. A 5% GST is also levied on the commission charged by agents in turmeric trading. Due to this GST imposition, large-scale buyers are reluctant to purchase turmeric, which results in farmers not getting better prices. Because of the GST imposed by the state government, there is a possibility that farmers may opt to sell turmeric outside the state to save on taxes. This could significantly affect the turmeric market centers in the state and the overall trade volume. As per Central Government, Ministry of Finance (Revenue Department) Notification No. 12/2017 – Central Tax (Rate) dated 28 June 2017, if the essential characteristics of agricultural produce remain unchanged during normal post-harvest processes before reaching the market, it should still be considered agricultural produce.
After harvesting turmeric rhizomes, farmers themselves boil and dry them before bringing the produce to market for sale. In this context, it is proposed to cancel the 5% GST currently imposed by the state government. To resolve GST-related issues, it is also proposed to provide market facilities for the sale of raw turmeric.
Turmeric cultivation benefits significantly from 25% shade, which results in increased yield. Therefore, farmers will be encouraged to expand the turmeric cultivation area by including it as an intercrop in newly planted orchards and under the horticulture-based farming system in Maharashtra. Turmeric has gained special importance for enhancing immunity against various diseases. Its regular inclusion in the human diet helps boost immunity and can aid in preventing infectious diseases.
In this context, collective efforts are necessary to classify turmeric as an essential commodity and include it under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme. If turmeric receives MSP, it could greatly encourage expanded cultivation and boost production.
It is proposed to promote increased turmeric cultivation and production through improved cultivation techniques, turmeric group farming, organic turmeric farming, the formation of organic turmeric farmer groups, crop protection, demonstration plots, farmer training, and farm schools.
Turmeric Festival:
Due to its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunity-boosting properties, the use of turmeric has increased. Details of these properties and benefits are provided in “Annexure-E.” It is proposed to organize a Turmeric Festival to promote and raise awareness about these beneficial properties of turmeric.
Turmeric Workshop:
To address current and future issues related to the turmeric crop and industry, it is proposed to organize an annual turmeric workshop involving all relevant institutions.
Turmeric Stewardship Council Model:
To ensure the holistic development of the turmeric crop, it is recommended to involve key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. The proposed initiative will aim to develop the turmeric value chain, facilitate government assistance, promote institutional mechanisms to enable access to finance, encourage innovations and the development of new technologies along with traditional knowledge, explore new markets, implement promotional activities for turmeric products, and connect all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. Based on this approach, the establishment of a turmeric-focused institution under the Turmeric Stewardship Council model is recommended.
Turmeric Growers Association:
Similar to growers’ associations for other crops, it is essential to establish a state-level Turmeric Growers Association. For the benefit of turmeric producers, this association will coordinate among stakeholders such as producers, processors, buyers, exporters, researchers, and government agencies to address issues related to turmeric. It will also support diversification into value-added turmeric products, assess technologies for region-specific advancements, and undertake fundamental and policy research to address key biotic and abiotic factors affecting turmeric quality. Additionally, the association can act as a coordinating body to help turmeric growers benefit from various government schemes related to cultivation, harvesting, post-harvest technologies, export, processing, branding, packaging, and marketing.
Women Farmer Empowerment and Training, Agricultural Labor and Farmer Welfare:
Turmeric cultivation demands a significant labor force. Women play a major role in activities such as planting, earthing up, harvesting, and processing of turmeric. Empowering women is essential to enhance their participation in turmeric production decision-making. For this purpose, it is proposed to organize training programs for women on turmeric production, enable them to prepare and market turmeric-based products through self-help groups, and provide them with skill-based training. It is also proposed to provide agricultural laborers with access to modern tools and equipment, along with training on safe handling of tools and pesticides.
It is essential for farmers to have insurance coverage to protect against unforeseen adverse situations such as natural disasters, pest infestations, and diseases, so that their financial stability remains intact even in the event of crop loss. Currently, in cases where turmeric crops suffer more than 33% damage due to natural disasters, pests, or diseases, financial assistance is provided under the revised norms of the State Disaster Response Fund and National Disaster Response Fund dated April 8, 2015. According to these norms, assistance of ₹13,500 per hectare and a minimum of ₹1,000 is granted, with a maximum aid limit of two hectares per farmer. However, turmeric is not presently included under the crop insurance scheme, and therefore, farmers do not receive insurance protection for turmeric cultivation. In light of this, it is proposed to include turmeric under the crop insurance scheme.
Turmeric cultivation requires significant financial investment for seeds, planting, and processing. Therefore, it is essential for farmers to receive timely and regular financial support through financial institutions. To facilitate this, it is proposed that at the district level, under the supervision of the District Collector, a committee comprising all financial institutions should be formed to ensure easy access to finance through the Kisan Credit Card, interest-free capital, and simplified credit facilities.
For turmeric production and related industries, priority will be given to providing funds through centrally/state-sponsored schemes as well as World Bank-assisted programs. In cases where the scheme-based funding is insufficient, it is proposed that the government will independently allocate additional funds. The detailed breakdown of funds available under various schemes is provided in “Annexure – A”.
