Largest Turmeric Producing Countries in the World

India is the largest producer of turmeric in the world. Every year, it grows around 75–80% of the world's total turmeric production, making it the clear leader in both farming and exports.

Other countries like China, Myanmar, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Indonesia also produce turmeric. However, their production is much smaller compared to India.

Globally, around 11–13.5 lakh tonnes (1.1–1.35 million tonnes) of turmeric are produced every year, with India contributing the largest share.

If you're planning to import turmeric for food products, spice processing, curcumin extraction, or bulk trading, it's helpful to know which countries produce the most turmeric and what makes each one different.

In this guide, we'll look at the top turmeric-producing countries, their production levels, and why India continues to be the world's leading turmeric supplier.

Which Country Is the Largest Producer of Turmeric?

India is the largest producer of turmeric in the world by a wide margin. Every year, it produces around 75% to 80% of the world's total turmeric, making it the leading supplier globally.

This isn't by chance. India has the right climate, fertile soil, experienced farmers, and a well-developed processing industry. These factors help the country produce high-quality turmeric on a much larger scale than any other nation.

India is also the largest consumer and exporter of turmeric. Even with strong domestic demand, the country produces enough turmeric to meet both local and international requirements.

Because of its large production, consistent quality, and reliable supply, India is the first choice for many importers and businesses looking to source turmeric in bulk.

Top Turmeric Producing Countries: The Full List

Here's how the world's largest turmeric producing countries stack up, based on volume and market share.

1. India - The World's Largest Producer of Turmeric

India is the largest producer of turmeric in the world. It grows more turmeric than all other countries combined, making it the leading supplier in the global market.

Turmeric is grown in many Indian states, including Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. Among them, Maharashtra is one of the biggest producers, contributing nearly 2.9 lakh tonnes in recent years.

Why Is Indian Turmeric So Popular?

High Curcumin Content

Many Indian turmeric varieties, such as Lakadong and Erode turmeric, are known for their high curcumin content. Curcumin is the natural compound that gives turmeric its bright yellow colour and many of its health benefits. Turmeric with higher curcumin is often preferred by buyers and usually commands a better price.

Wide Variety of Turmeric

India grows different types of turmeric to meet different market needs. Some varieties are ideal for cooking, while others are used in medicines, health supplements, cosmetics, and food processing.

Strong Export Network

India has a well-developed export industry. From cleaning and grading to processing and packaging, exporters can supply turmeric in different forms, including whole fingers, turmeric powder, and curcumin extract, depending on buyer requirements.

Favourable Growing Conditions

India's warm climate, fertile soil, and seasonal monsoon provide ideal conditions for growing turmeric. These natural advantages help farmers produce high-quality turmeric in large quantities every year.

2. China - The Second-Largest Turmeric Producer

China is the second-largest producer of turmeric in the world, contributing around 8% of global production.

Most turmeric is grown in the provinces of Yunnan, Guangdong, and Sichuan, where the climate is suitable for turmeric farming.

Focus on Processed Turmeric Products

Unlike India, China mainly focuses on processing turmeric into turmeric powder and curcumin extract. These products are widely used in the food, health supplement, and pharmaceutical industries.

Strong Domestic Demand

A large portion of China's turmeric production is used within the country to meet the needs of its food processing and supplement industries. Only a smaller share is exported to international markets.

Modern Farming and Processing

China uses modern farming methods and advanced processing facilities to produce turmeric efficiently. This helps maintain consistent quality, especially for processed turmeric products.

3. Myanmar - A Key Regional Supplier

Myanmar produces around 4% of the world's turmeric, making it one of the leading turmeric-producing countries. It is also the second-largest exporter of turmeric after India.

Most of Myanmar's turmeric is exported to nearby countries, including India and other markets across Southeast Asia.

Known for Its Deep Yellow Colour

Myanmar turmeric is recognized for its rich yellow colour, which makes it suitable for many food and spice applications.

Lower Curcumin Content

Compared to many Indian turmeric varieties, Myanmar turmeric generally has a lower curcumin content. As a result, it is often chosen as a cost-effective option rather than a premium-quality product.

Popular in Regional Markets

Thanks to its competitive pricing and close location to neighbouring countries, Myanmar remains an important supplier of turmeric in the Asian market.

4. Nigeria - Africa's Fastest-Growing Turmeric Producer 

Nigeria contributes around 3% of the world's turmeric production. Over the past few years, turmeric farming in the country has grown steadily, making Nigeria an emerging player in the global turmeric market.

Growing Export Market

Nigeria exports turmeric to several countries, including India and parts of Europe. Many buyers choose Nigerian turmeric for bulk orders because of its competitive pricing.

Increasing Global Demand

As turmeric cultivation continues to expand, Nigeria is becoming an important source for importers looking to diversify their supply chain.

A Country to Watch

Although its production is still much lower than India's, Nigeria is gaining recognition as one of Africa's fastest-growing turmeric producers and is expected to play a bigger role in the global market in the coming years.

5. Bangladesh - High-Quality, Traditionally Grown Turmeric

Bangladesh is one of the notable turmeric-producing countries in South Asia. Most turmeric is grown in regions such as Chattogram, Sylhet, and Rangpur.

Strong Domestic Demand

A large share of Bangladesh's turmeric production is used within the country for cooking and food processing. The remaining quantity is exported to markets in the Gulf countries and Malaysia.

Imports Turmeric from India

Despite producing turmeric, Bangladesh also imports large quantities from India to meet its growing demand. In a recent trading year, the country imported more than 26,000 tonnes of turmeric from India.

Close Trade Relationship with India

Bangladesh's imports highlight India's important role in the global turmeric market. Even countries that grow turmeric often rely on India for a consistent supply and larger export volumes.

6. Indonesia - Southeast Asia's Turmeric Hub

Turmeric cultivation in Indonesia is centered on the islands of Java and Sumatra, where it's grown for both culinary and traditional-medicine use. Indonesian turmeric ships primarily to East Asian and Middle Eastern buyers, where demand for herbal and Ayurvedic-style products continues to grow year over year.

Other Notable Turmeric Producers: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand

• Pakistan is expanding turmeric cultivation across Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with exports growing toward Middle Eastern and European markets.

• Sri Lanka grows turmeric prized for its high curcumin content and deep color, cultivated mainly in the central and southern regions.

• Thailand produces turmeric in Chiang Mai and Lampang, exporting to Japan, the US, and Europe under strict quality standards.

None of these three currently rivals the top five producers in volume, but each plays a role in regional supply chains and niche premium markets.

What This Means for Turmeric Buyers and Importers

If you're importing turmeric for food manufacturing, nutraceuticals, or bulk spice trading, sourcing from the largest turmeric-producing country gives you a few practical advantages:

• Consistent supply volume: India's scale means less risk of supply shortages compared to smaller producing nations.

• Curcumin-grade options: Buyers can select specific varieties based on curcumin percentage requirements for pharma or supplement use.

• Established export documentation and compliance: Indian turmeric exporters are generally well-versed in phytosanitary certification, fumigation, and international quality standards required for markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Final Thoughts

While production is important, global demand is what truly drives the turmeric trade. Countries like the United States, Bangladesh, the UAE, Malaysia, Morocco, and Iran import large quantities of turmeric every year, with India remaining their preferred sourcing destination.

An interesting fact is that even some turmeric-producing countries, such as Bangladesh, continue to import turmeric from India to meet local demand. This shows the trust buyers place in India's consistent quality, reliable supply, and high-curcumin turmeric.

For importers and bulk buyers, India continues to be the most dependable source for high-quality turmeric, making it the world's leading producer as well as the preferred global supplier.