Published Jun 13, 2023
Turmeric is one of the most widely cultivated spices in India. There are many varieties of turmeric, such as Salem, Rajapuri, Erode, Allepey, Nizamabad, etc.
Turmeric requires a warm and humid climate with a temperature range of 25-35°C. Turmeric does not tolerate waterlogging. Irrigation depends on soil moisture and rainfall.
Turmeric requires a well-drained and fertile soil rich in organic matter. Organic manure and compost should be applied at the rate of 8 tonnes per acre before planting.
Turmeric seed rhizomes are used for planting. The rhizomes should be healthy, disease-free and sprouted. The rhizomes should be treated with fungicides or bioagents.
Turmeric takes about 7-9 months to mature. The crop is ready for harvest when the leaves turn yellow and dry up. The rhizomes are dug out carefully with a spade or a plough.
The harvested rhizomes are washed, boiled, dried and polished to obtain turmeric fingers. The turmeric fingers are then ground into powder or extracted for oil and oleoresin.