TURMERIC
TURMERIC
INTRODUCTION
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is native to Asia and India. The tuberous rhizomes or
underground stems of turmeric have been used from antiquity as condiments, a dye and as an
aromatic stimulant in several medicines. Turmeric is a product of Curcuma longa, a rhizomatous
herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the ginger family Zingiberaceae, which is native to
tropical South Asia. As many as 133 species of Curcuma have been identified worldwide. Most
of them have common local names and are used for various medicinal formulations. Some
specific turmeric species are shown in. The turmeric plant needs temperatures between 20°C and
30°C and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive.
Turmeric is very important spice in India, which produces nearly entire whole world’s
crop and consumes 80% of it. Turmeric originated in Southern India and this region continues as
the world's largest producer. Turmeric occupies about 6% of the total area under spices and
condiments in India. Later, it is also cultivated in various parts of Asia and Africa. Turmeric
made its way to Jamaica and it is now cultivated throughout the tropics, including Hawaii and
Costa Rica. The major turmeric producing states are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil
Nadu. Planting season varies with the area and variety of turmeric. Generally, planting is done
during May – June or July – August. Turmeric is rarely cultivated in pure stand. However, it is
usually grown with other crops. It matures in 7 – 9 months depending on variety of the crop.
Individual plants grow to a height of 1 m, and have long, oblong leaves. Plants are
gathered annually for their rhizomes, and are reseeded from some of those rhizomes in the
following season. The rhizome, from which the turmeric is derived, is tuberous, with a rough and
segmented skin. The rhizomes mature beneath the foliage in the ground. They are yellowish
brown with a dull orange interior. The main rhizome is pointed or tapered at the distal end and
measures 2.5–7.0 cm (1–3 inches) in length and 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter, with smaller tubers
branching off. When the turmeric rhizome is dried, it can be ground to a yellow powder with a
bitter, slightly acidic.
VARITIES
A number of cultivars are available in the country and are known mostly by the name of
the locality where they are cultivated. The cultivated varieties show considerable variation in size
and color of the rhizomes and curcumin content. More than 5 per cent curcumin content and
lemon yellow, orange or orange yellow colored turmeric powder is preferred in the international
market. There are two dominant types of turmeric found on the world market: 'Madras', and
'Alleppey', both named after the regions of production in India. The orange-yellow flesh
Alleppey turmeric is predominantly imported by the United States, where users prefer it as a
spice and a food colorant. Alleppey turmeric contains about 3.5% to 5.5% volatile oils, and 4.0%
to 7.0% curcumin. In contrast, the Madras type contains only 2% of volatile oils and 2% of
curcumin. The Madras turmeric is preferred by the British and Middle Eastern markets for its
more intense, brighter and lighter yellow color. The Patna variety is noted for its deep color. Of
the two types cultivated in Maharashtra, 'Lokhandi' has bright coloured hard rhizomes and the
other has light-colored soft rhizomes. The popular commercial varieties in Andhra Pradesh are
'Duggirala' of Guntur and 'Tekurpeta' which has long, stout, smooth and hard fingers. 'Kasturi
Pasupa' of the Godavari Delta, the 'Armoor' type of the Nizamabad area and the 'Chaya Pasupa'
are the other important varieties of Andhra Pradesh. In Orissa important varieties cultivated are
Roma, Suroma, Ranga and Rasmi. Lakadong variety of ginger is grown in Meghalaya and this
variety is popular for high curcumin content of 5 to 5.05%.
Characteristics
Turmeric is the boiled, dried, cleaned and polished rhizomes of Curcuma longa. The plant
is an herbaceous perennial, 60-90 cm high, with a short stem and tufted leaf. There are 7 to 12
leaves, the leaf sheaths form the pseudo stem. Turmeric is a tropical crop cultivated from sea
level to 1200-meter MSL. It grows in light black, black clayey loams and red soils in irrigated
and rainfed conditions. The crop cannot stand water logging or alkalinity. The lamina is green
above and pale green below and has a length of 30-40 cm and width 8-12 cm. Inflorescence is a
central spike of 10-15 cm length. 1-4 flowers are born in axil of the bract opening one at a time.
About 30 flowers are produced in a spike. Seeds are produced in capsules and there will be one
to numerous sunken capsules in an inflorescence.
The global Turmeric market was million USD in 2018 and is expected to million USD by the
end of 2025, growing at a CAGR between 2019 and 2025. The global production of turmeric is
around 11 lakh tonnes per annum. Small-scale food processors, retailers, and ethnic food have a
high presence in developing ethnic food taste in Western Europe. However, large retailers and
multinationals are also increasingly active in this market thereby increasing revenue of global
turmeric market. Growth in spice industry in European Union will continue witnessing growth at
a significant pace. The reason for such escalating growth is increasing the popularity of ethnic
taste in the European region.
CROP CALENDER
The harvesting of this plant is done when the leaves of this plant start turning yellowish after 7 to
10 months of plantation. Turmeric requires a warm and humid climate. Turmeric is a kharif crop
and requires temperatures between 20°C and 30°C and an annual rainfall of 1500 mm or more.
In India the main sowing season begins from June and extends up to August. It is harvested from
January and ends by March. Arrivals start during February-April period. Turmeric is recognized
as a kharif crop in India. The plantation starts from June and continues till August. The arrivals
of the new crop start coming in January month in Andhra Pradesh and peaking in March due to
strong supplies from Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Allepey Finger (Kerala), Erode, Salem
(Tamil Nadu) and Rajapuri (Maharashtra). Among all these, Erode and Rajapuri varieties are the
most popular in international markets as they contain the rich Curcumin content of around 3.5- 4
per cent. Apart from India, it is cultivated in Pakistan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand,
Philippines, Japan, Korea, China, Sri Lanka, Nepal, East & West Africa, South Pacific Islands,
Malagasy, Caribbean Islands and Central America. In India, it is cultivated in the States of
Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala
GRADING
Turmeric is included in the list of spices which must have an Agmark before they
can be exported from India. Three grades of finger turmeric, two of bulb turmeric
and one grade of powdered turmeric are specified, as follows:
Finger turmeric, other than the Alleppey variety is sub-graded into 'Special'
Good' and 'Fair'.
Alleppey finger turmeric is sub-graded into 'Good' and 'Fair'.
Rajapore finger turmeric is sub-graded into 'Special'. 'Good' and 'Fair'.
The maximum limit for extraneous matter in the prime sub-grades of the
above grades of whole turmeric is 1.0%.
In the case of Alleppey finger turmeric, which is exported to the United
States, the content of extraneous matter according to the specifications of the
American Spice
Trade Association is usually less than 0.5%. In the case of the turmeric
powder, the characteristics are more exacting.
The maximum percentage limits are specified for moisture, total ash, acid
insoluble ash and starch.
The ASIA (1) and FDA (2) chemical and physical specification of turmeric are as follows: (1)
Whole dead insects by count 3; mammalian excreta (mg/lb) 5; other excreta (mg/lb) 5; mould (%
by weight) 3; insect defiled (% by weight) 2.5 (2) volatile oi V curcumin (% min) 5; moisture (%
max) 10; ash (% max) 8; acid insoluble ash (% max) 1.0, average bulk index (mg/100 g) N/A.
CURCUMINOIDS
TURMERIC OIL
Turmeric essential oil is extracted from the roots of turmeric plant and just like turmeric powder;
it has anti-allergic, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic qualities. It is also
loaded with antioxidants. Learn how you can use turmeric essential oil in your beauty regimen.
The essential oils to be diluted with carrier oils before applying on the skin or hair. Mix it with a
carrier oil like coconut, olive, jojoba or apricot oil before using.
OLEORAISIN
Turmeric Oleoresin is the concentrated product which is obtained by extraction of the dry spices.
The extraction is done by using an organic solvent or solvent 'mixture like ethylene chloride,
acetone, alcohol and hexane. Oleoresin represents the complete flavour of the concentrated fresh
spice. It contains volatile as well as non-volatile constituent of the spice. The residual solvent in
the Turmeric oleoresin should be below 30 ppm. Oleoresin cannot be used directly because it is
too concentrated and is dispensed. But oleoresin can be used directly in the fatty products like
processed meat, fish cheese, baked food and vegetables. Oleoresin has greater heat stability than
essential oil.
USES
Turmeric is used to flavour and to colour foodstuffs. It is a principal ingredient in curry powder.
Turmeric oleoresin is used in brine pickles and to some extent in mayonnaise and relish
formulations, non-alcoholic beverages, gelatins, butter and cheese etc. The colour curcumin
extracted from turmeric is used as a colourant. It is used in the preparation of medicinal oils,
ointments and poultice. It is stomachic, carminative, tonic, blood purifier and an antiseptic. It is
used in cosmetics. The aqueous extracts have biopesticidal properties.
The aqueous extracts have bio pesticide properties. It is part of Indian culture which is
used in many religious observances and it enters in the composition of many traditional
remedies. 169 It is used mainly as a preservative in pickles, chutneys, squashes and ketchups. It
is also used in pharmaceuticals, ayurvedic medicines and antiseptic creams. Recent medical
research demonstrations in the anticancer, antiviral activities of Turmeric increased its demand.
It is reported that about 80% of turmeric produced in India is consumed for domestic kitchen use
in food preparations, 8% at hotels and tourist complexes, 6% in manufacturing of
pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products and ayurvedic medicines and 6% being exported in various
forms.
MAJOR PRODUCTION STATES
The important turmeric growing States in India are Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu,
Orissa, Maharashtra, Assam, Kerala, Karnataka and West Bengal. Telangana and Andhra
Pradesh together occupy 50% of the total area followed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and
Mahrashtra.
Major consumption states
Fundamentals
India is the largest producer of turmeric in the world. Indian turmeric is considered to be the best
in the world market because of its high curcumin content. Fresh turmeric arrival in India starts
from mid-January and continues till June. Stored produce is available throughout the year.
Turmeric crop takes 180 – 200 days to mature and needs another 10-15 days of on farm post-
harvest activities to make the turmeric acceptable for consumption. Sowing of turmeric starts
from mid-June to October.
India is the largest Producer, Consumer and Exporter of turmeric. Indian Turmeric is considered
to be of best quality due to its high curcumin content and is increasingly getting known for its
medicinal and cosmetic applications. As it is a naturally occurring product, it is finding
increasing acceptance in the global markets because of which exports have increased
exponentially in recent years and this trend is most likely to continue in future. Majority of the
Turmeric produced is consumed locally which reflects a healthy local demand.
EXPORT TRENDS
VALUE QUANTITY
YEAR EXPORT EXPORT
2019 3,539.19 3895.61
2018 11,868.75 15183.53
2017 3,354.16 3856.25
2016 10,865.54 12139.22
2015 5,097.70 5043.91
2014 3,742.94 4585.89
2013 1,769.73 1910.39
2012 2,057.80 3404.11
2011 4,366.22 5144.61
2010 5,386.47 4569.58
12139.22
11868.75
10865.54
5386.47
5144.61
5043.91
5097.7
4585.89
4569.58
4366.22
3895.61
3856.25
3742.94
3539.19
3404.11
3354.16
1910.39
2057.8
1769.73
VALUE QU AN T IT Y
TURMERIC DRIED
VALUE QUANTITY
TURMERIC DRIED
83,287.36
YEAR 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
71,360.11
62,022.37
59,116.54
58,332.32
55,978.07
53,003.13
47,749.46
46,824.90
44,216.30
42,183.97
39,856.56
39,135.87
38,581.82
36,732.17
35,107.64
32,792.30
28,668.50
28,120.95
21,051.98
VALUE QUANTITY
TURMERIC POWDER
VALUE QUANTITY
YEAR EXPORT EXPORT
2019 47,974.02 42,136.01
2018 52,115.43 42,862.06
2017 48,142.81 40,890.72
2016 54,299.79 44,046.92
2015 40,853.88 33,469.31
2014 31,474.40 31,456.81
2013 27,087.20 26,846.42
2012 25,733.73 36,752.63
2011 33,890.21 37,855.64
2010 31,235.37 30,060.06
TURMERIC POWDER
YEAR 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
54,299.79
52,115.43
48,142.81
47,974.02
44,046.92
42,862.06
42,136.01
40,890.72
40,853.88
37,855.64
36,752.63
33,890.21
33,469.31
31,474.40
31,456.81
31,235.37
30,060.06
27,087.20
26,846.42
25,733.73
VALU E QUANTITY
IMPORT TRENDS (Value in Lacs and Quantity in Kgs)
TOP IMPORTERS
India $42.8 Mn
United States $34.1 Mn
Iran $23.2 Mn
Germany $14.2 Mn
United Kingdom $13 Mn
TURMERIC FRESH
YEAR VALUE QUANTITY
2019 ₹3,895.61 -
2018 ₹15,183.53 -
2017 ₹3,856.25 -
2016 ₹12,139.22 -
2015 ₹5,043.91 84
2014 ₹4,585.89 221.75
2013 ₹1,910.39 185.73
2012 ₹3,404.11 -
2011 ₹5,144.61 -
2010 ₹4,569.58 167
YEAR VALUE QUANTITY
2019 ₹24,483.78 28,451.73
2018 ₹29,779.41 30,782.72
2017 ₹18,293.14 16,986.81
2016 ₹16,312.79 13,702.91
2015 ₹13,936.11 14,258.16
2014 ₹8,015.16 9,040.86
2013 ₹4,912.12 5,486.45
2012 ₹2,175.74 2,522.75
2011 ₹2,311.59 1,813.67
2010 ₹3,058.13 2,734.93
TURMERIC DRIED
TURMERIC DRIED
YEAR 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
30,782.72
29,779.41
28,451.73
24,483.78
18,293.14
16,986.81
16,312.79
14,258.16
13,936.11
13,702.91
9,040.86
8,015.16
5,486.45
4,912.12
3,058.13
2,734.93
2,522.75
2,311.59
2,175.74
1,813.67
V A L UE Q UA NTI TY
TURMERIC POWDER
TURMERIC POWDER
YEAR 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
189.55
200
142.03
136.61
108.92
96.94
65.79
38.38
31.59
31.13
12.26
9.69
3.47
8.3
0.31
0.13
2.8
1
VALUE QU AN T IT Y
VALUE AND SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYSIS
SUPPLY CHAIN
Input Suppliers: - Seed is the major input in turmeric cultivation. Most farmers use their own
seed and rarely procure seed from markets such as. Manure, fertilizers, pesticides and labor are
sourced from the nearby places. Manure is another important input whose availability is
dwindling due to lesser number of animals being maintained by farmers than previously.
Farmers: - Most farmers cultivate turmeric for commercial purpose. Apart from commercial
motive, there is a ‘sentiment’ associated with turmeric cultivation. The farmers usually supply
dry turmeric which is processed at farm to local traders at nearby regulated markets.
Local Aggregators: - Small traders residing in the same village or neighboring villages are
involved in turmeric aggregation. They are frequent visitors to wholesale markets and deal with
farmers and commission agents. Generally, they deal with small quantity and sell at nearby
markets as farmers. They are aware of price information and try to take advantage of the price
arbitrage and offer a ‘better price’ for the small lots.
Commission Agents: - In major markets like commission agents play a crucial role and act as a
conduit between farmers and traders. The role of commission agents starts much ahead of
harvest of produce. At times commission agents provide credit to farmers and this is one
probable reason for the farmers to depend on them heavily during the disposal of produce at the
market.
Local traders: - In one of a market, 20-25 traders deal with approximately 71000 MT of
turmeric during the harvest season starting from end of February to May. In turn, the local
traders deal with 70 odd commission agents during the harvest season for their trading needs.
Produce from other catchment areas in a state are also brought to main market by aggregators or
group of farmers for better price realization.
Exporters: - Traders in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
source produce from local traders. Traders from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh deal for bulb
of Turmeric while those from Gujarat deals with finger Turmeric. Most exporters deal with
traders in Japan, Europe, Middle East and North America, which are major export destinations
for turmeric.
Processors: - The major processed product of turmeric is turmeric powder which is mostly used
for culinary purposes. Turmeric powder is also used for rituals, as a cosmetic and in medicines.
Most processors are involved in three major spice commodities i.e. chilli, turmeric and coriander
which enables them to run the mills all through the year, thus optimizing establishment costs.
Most processors are of the opinion that standalone turmeric mills would not be economically
viable. Curcumin and oleoresin extraction processing units are not present in Telangana;
however, there is a growing awareness about value added products among local traders.
VALUE CHAIN
Turmeric cultivation has a sentimental value due to the color, medicinal and culinary value and
its usage in religious rituals. In some parts of the state it is considered analogous to gold due to
the beneficial value it imparts. Turmeric is an essential ingredient of cooking in Indian homes
and is an essential part of the kitchen. Apart from this aspect, turmeric is considered to be
profitable crop provided market conditions are ‘favorable’. It is a crop which engages the farmer
for 10 months of the year and provides a support system. However, of late there is a perception
among farmers that cost of cultivation is on the rise. The same has been presented in the section
dealing with cost of production of wet and dry turmeric.
The turmeric value chain involves functions such as input supply, production,
aggregation, processing, trading and exporting. The major inputs in turmeric are seed, organic
manure, fertilizers and pesticides apart from credit and insurance support. Technical knowhow
and improved practices are inputs provided by the State Horticulture Department through
Horticulture Extension Officers and Horticulture Officers. Turmeric Research Station, involved
in research for improvement of turmeric cultivation practices. Most farmers produce turmeric for
commercial purpose and the concept of turmeric for seed material is not prevalent in the study
area. Primary processing at household level, involves harvesting, cleaning, separation of
rhizomes, boiling and drying in order to make dried turmeric.
Commercial processing is usually done in major market centers. Trading usually consists
of collection, local trading and regional or national trading. Some traders and processors are also
involved in export of fingers which are converted into value added products such as curcumin,
essential oil and oleoresin. The product reaches the domestic consumers through wholesalers and
retailers.
MAJOR TURMERIC MARKETS IN INDIA
Thavinhal,Valatl,Hatika,Puthady,Kalpetta,Chegual,Thariode,
Wayanad
Vallarimela,Koltappadi,Vayittri.
Avalurpettai,Gingee,Sankarapuram,Kallakkurichchi,
Villupuram
Ulundurpettai, Tirukkovilur, Vlundurpetti, Vanum,Vallam
TAMIL
NADU Muttuppalaiyam,
Coimbatore
Avinashi,Tiruppur,Palladam,Udumallaippettai,Pollac
State Districts
There is a strong research support for cultivation of turmeric on scientific lines, as Indian
Institute of Spices Research is located in Callicut and also State Agricultural Universities
in various states.
More than 80% of turmeric is cultivated in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states.
APEDA has sanctioned an Agri Export Zone for turmeric in Orissa state to enhance
export of turmeric from the state
Turmeric is exported to over 129 countries. In the year 2019-20, India has
exported Turmeric worth of 117.74 USD million. The total volume of export in 2019-20
was around 99.45,890. India has monopoly in turmeric trade at world level. Although India is
the largest producer of turmeric in the world (846700 tons) but it exported only 6% of the total
production.
Allepy finger turmeric is the original genuine high curcumin turmeric. It is very
popular in the US and other countries and has curcumin percentages of min.5%.
This generic variety of turmeric is grown only in Kerala state.
It's used in the Moroccan spice mix, and found in most South Indian cooking.
Turmeric pairs well with ginger and also goes well with seafood, to help mask that
overly fishy, ammonia taste. Its name comes from the port of Alleppey in South
India where the turmeric was originally traded.
GLOBAL DEMAND OF CURCUMIN
Curcumin is proven to have significant health benefits along with the potential to prevent
various diseases including Alzheimer’s, coronary heart diseases, and cancer. Shift observed in
consumer trends and rising awareness towards the benefits of using organic and natural
ingredients in medical, cosmetic, and food applications should propagate demand over the
forecast timeframe of 2020 to 2027.
ESTIMATION DETAILS
Market Size in 40 Million
Base Year: 2016
2016: (USD)
Forecast Period
2024 Value 100 Million
2017 to 2024 11%
Projection: (USD)
CAGR:
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000