Turmeric, also called the “golden spice,” is essential to many diverse cultures and foods. It is a common ingredient in Indian dishes because of its bright yellow colour and earthy, somewhat bitter flavour. Furthermore, in traditional medicine, especially Ayurveda, turmeric is an essential component to cure a variety of illnesses.
Nowadays, turmeric is becoming more popular and in high demand in the health and wellness industry. Most notably, it contains curcumin, which is a potent substance with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Turmeric is used in food and medicine, but it is also a valuable crop economically, with several tropical nations cultivating large amounts of it. Afterwards, understand the medicinal uses of turmeric.
Medicinal Uses of Turmeric
In multiple cultures, including Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has long been utilised for its therapeutic qualities. Its common medical applications are listed below:
- As an anti-inflammatory agent
- Antioxidant Properties
- Digestive Health
- Pain relief
- Antimicrobial properties
- Liver health
- Heart health
- Diabetes management
- Cancer prevention
- Skin health
- Respiratory health
- Neurological health
- Anti-ageing effects
- Weight management
- Immune system support
- Cardiovascular health
- Mental health
- Oral health
- Weight loss
Major Producers of Turmeric
If we talk about the biggest producer of turmeric in the world, then it’s India. India has a 62% share in the global production. Last year (2022-23) cultivated over 3,24,000 hectares of land in India, producing 11,61,000 tonnes of turmeric. See below for other largest producers:
| Countries | Global Production |
| China | 8% |
| Myanmar | 4% |
| Nigeria | 3% |
| Bangladesh | 3% |
Major Turmeric-Producing States in India
Now, we all know that India is one of the major producers of turmeric in the world. But which states are the major contributors to this accomplishment? Here is the list of major states that produce turmeric on a large scale in India.
- Telangana
- Orissa
- Andhra Pradesh
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
- West Bengal
- Maharashtra
Varieties of Turmeric
There are several varieties throughout the nation; they are mainly known by the name of the region in which they are grown. Here is the list of varieties according to their regional names; see below:
- Roma
- Suroma
- Rajendrasonia
- Ranga
- Pragathi
- Armoor
- Allepey
- Sudharsana
- Suvarna
- Wynad
- Jobedi
- Dughi
- Katigia
- Ranga
- Suroma
- Roma
Preparing for Turmeric Farming
To prepare for turmeric farming, first, choose a warm, humid climate. Next, pick for rich, well-drained soil. After that, premium turmeric rhizomes will be added so you can grow them. Remember to prepare the soil well and set up appropriate watering. For a healthy crop, schedule routine inspections and insect treatment.
Don’t worry; this is just an overview of the farming process. We’ll discuss it in more detail below.
Climate and Soil Requirements
The temperature ranges between 20°C to 35°C, with a yearly rainfall of at least 1500 mm, with or without irrigation. It likes soils that are clay loam and have a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5.
Land Preparation
For land preparation, wait for the early monsoon rainfall because the soil becomes loose after that. Approximately four deep ploughings are necessary to bring the soil to a fine slope. I prefer a tractor with a higher HP for better ploughing.
You can use powertrac euro 47 which comes with HP 50, which is well enough for soil churning. Along with 43 HP of PTO HP, which helps implement and perform efficiently in the field.
Then, for laterite soils, hydrated lime spread at a rate of 500 to 1000 kg per hectare, depending on soil’s pH. As soon as premonsoon rains start, beds with dimensions of 1.0 m in width and 30 cm in height. A convenient length should be set up, with 50 cm separating each bed. Another method of planting is to create ridges and furrows.
Planting
Using a hand hoe, make small trenches on the beds spaced 25 cm apart. Fill the pits with well-decomposed cow dung or compost. Then, layer seed rhizomes on top and cover the area with soil. 45cm to 60 cm between rows and 25 cm between plants is the appropriate spacing in ridges and furrows.
Weeding and Irrigation
Depending on their strength, weeds need to be removed three times, at 60, 90, and 120 days following planting. Regarding irrigated crops, the amount of irrigation necessary varies based on soil characteristics and climate. In clayey soils, 15 to 23 irrigations are required, while in sandy loams, 40 irrigations are necessary.
Pest management
Check plants often for indications of diseases and pests to ensure efficient management in turmeric cultivation. To prevent chemical harm, apply organic insecticides. To avoid overcrowding, make sure there is enough space between plants as well. Lastly, to keep your soil healthy, rotate your crops to lower the chance of disease outbreaks and insects.
Harvesting
Based on the variety and seeding date, a well-managed turmeric crop can be harvested in seven to nine months. Harvesting usually takes place in January through March.
As the leaves reach maturity, they become parched and exhibit a pale brown to yellowish colour.
Then, after the harvesting procedure, your turmeric is ready to sell on the market. While transporting your crops to market, always pick a tractor with good HP and lifting capacity. Solis YM 342A 4WD can be a good choice. This tractor has a lift up to 1450 kg, so you can load most of your crops in one go. Additionally, it has a 42 HP engine, which can transport your crops quickly to the markets by producing high torque.
Conclusion
In summary, turmeric is a gem with several medical uses and financial worth. It is more than simply a spice. Turmeric is easy to grow yet very rewarding, particularly in tropical regions. From planting to harvesting, anybody can grow this golden crop and make a positive impact on global health with the right care.
