Context: Turmeric (Curcuma longa), native to India, has been studied extensively for its effects against viral diseases in recent decades, but the COVID-19 pandemic has renewed interest.

Why turmeric?

• Post pandemic, turmeric is one of the fastest-growing dietary supplements.
• The global curcumin market, valued at $58.4 million in 2019, is expected to witness a growth of 12.7 percent by 2027.
• As the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric, India stands to gain from this.

Global standing

• India produces 78 per cent of the world’s turmeric.
• The country’s turmeric production saw a near consistent growth since Independence till 2010-11 after which it started fluctuating.
• The pandemic has given a boost to the crop, with the production witnessing a rise of 23 per cent.
• Though the production and export of turmeric has risen, farmers have not benefitted from its pricing.

About Turmeric

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is used as a condiment, dye, drug and cosmetic in addition to its use in religious ceremonies.
• India is a leading producer and exporter of turmeric in the world.
• The top five turmeric-producing states of India in 2020-21 are Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Climate and Soil

• Turmeric can be grown in diverse tropical conditions from sea level to 1500 m above sea level.
• It requires a temperature range of 20-35 C with an annual rainfall of 1500 mm or more, under rainfed or irrigated conditions.
• Though it can be grown on different types of soils, it thrives best in well-drained sandy or clay loam soils with a pH range of 4.5-7.5 with good organic status.

Varieties

• A number of cultivars are available in the country and are known mostly by the name of locality where they are cultivated.
• Some of the popular cultivars are Duggirala, Tekkurpet, Sugandham, Amalapuram, Erode local, Salem, Alleppey, Moovattupuzha and Lakdong.

Preparation of land

• The land is prepared with the receipt of early monsoon showers.
• The soil is brought to a fine tilth by giving about four deep ploughings.
• Planting is also done by forming ridges and furrows.

Plantation

• Whole or split mother and finger rhizomes are used for planting and well-developed healthy and disease-free rhizomes are to be selected.