Top Turmeric Producing States In India

India is more than just a big producer of turmeric. It has been growing turmeric for thousands of years and is widely recognized as the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of this golden spice in the world.

India supplies roughly 70–80% of the world’s turmeric, while other turmeric–growing nations like Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, and Indonesia produce only small fractions in comparison. 

Moreover, India also grows more than 30 different turmeric varieties across more than 20 states. This includes varieties in shape, size, colour, curcumin content, and aroma, making Indian turmeric appreciated across different markets

In this blog, we will explore how India dominates turmeric production, take a closer look at the major turmeric-producing states, the types they produce, and some government initiatives aimed at supporting turmeric farmers and expanding production.

Also read: The Ultimate Turmeric Export Guide from India

Let's Take A Look At Major Turmeric-Producing States In India

State	2024-25  (Area)	2024-25  (Produce)	2023-24 (Area)	2023-24 (Produce)	2022-23 (Area)	2022-23 (Produce)
Maharashtra	77,892	250,137	85,197	310,013	88,318	223,215
Tamil Nadu	29,887	164,516	23,148	139,425	24,148	136,510
Telangana	16,432	131,097	14,517	135,610	22,742	218,540
Karnataka	12,905	107,099	12,185	66,826	19,165	191,890
Madhya Pradesh	23,031	90,800	14,510	99,546	22,418	82,530
Andhra Pradesh	28,322	66,158	22,368	38,026	33,416	73,515
Odisha	33,811	58,781	33,003	73,787	31,410	73,685
Assam	17,230	57,832	12,939	53,848	12,586	65,537
West Bengal	16,925	50,293	18,762	58,581	18,763	53,568
Mizoram	7,789	29,185	8,195	29,381	7,798	29,852
Gujarat	9,963	20,132	5,974	20,015	5,907	20,217
Total (Incl. Others)	290,939	1,116,124	292,830	1,063,224	320,782	1,169,982

The table above is the data released by the Spice Board of India. As the table indicates, states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh have consistently been the largest turmeric-producing states in India.

Moreover, the table is also a good indicator of India's turmeric production being consistently above 1 Million Tonnes over the last 5 years, which has made it the largest producer of turmeric in the world. 

Let's study the top states and the variety of turmeric they produce.

1. Maharashtra 

Maharashtra is the largest turmeric-producing state in India, leading the country in both area and output. According to recent data from the Spice Board of India, Maharashtra produced close to 3 lakh million tonnes of turmeric, which is by far the highest among all Indian states.

Where Turmeric Is Grown in Maharashtra

• Turmeric cultivation in Maharashtra is spread across several regions, with Sangli district being the primary growing area.

• The Rajapuri-Salem type turmeric from this region accounts for a large portion of the state’s production and is known for its deep orange colour.

• In addition to Sangli, turmeric production has been expanding in parts of Vidarbha, including Washim, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Hingoli, Yavatmal, Akola and Wardha districts.

Types and Varieties of Turmeric in Maharashtra

• The most widely grown variety in Maharashtra is the Rajapuri-Salem type, a variety of Sangli turmeric which is favoured for its rich colour and good aroma. 

• Vasmat haldi, which is grown in the Hingoli district, and Waigaon turmeric, which is grown in the Wardha district, are other varieties of turmeric popular in this state. 

2. Telangana

Telangana is a major turmeric-producing state, which also has the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board. The state is known for producing turmeric that serves both domestic consumption and export-oriented supply chains. 

Where Turmeric Is Grown in Telangana

• Turmeric cultivation in Telangana is concentrated in Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, and Adilabad districts. These districts together account for the majority of Telangana’s turmeric output.

• Among these, Nizamabad is the most prominent turmeric-growing and trading hub in the state. The region has long been associated with large-scale cultivation and organised turmeric markets. 

Types and Varieties of Turmeric in Telangana

Telangana grows multiple turmeric varieties, with Duggirala and Erraguntur being the most popular. These varieties are known for their good colour, strong aroma, and suitability for both culinary and medicinal use. 

3. Karnataka

Karnataka is another important turmeric-producing state in South India, contributing steadily to India’s overall output. The state has a mix of traditional cultivation practices and improved farming techniques, which have helped increase production over the years.

Where Turmeric Is Grown in Karnataka

Chamarajanagar, Belagavi, Mysuru, Dharwad, and Bellary are the major turmeric-growing regions in this state. Chamarajanagar is especially well known for large-scale turmeric cultivation and organised trade. 

Types and Varieties of Turmeric in Karnataka

Karnataka grows several local turmeric varieties, with Kasturi, Balaga, Mundaga, and Yalachaga being the most commonly cultivated. These varieties are known for their distinct aroma, moderate to high curcumin content, and good colour. 

4. Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is known not just for volume but for the distinct quality of its regional turmeric varieties. While it may not be the largest producer nationally, the state plays a crucial role in India’s turmeric market through well-established growing regions, local markets, and processing hubs. 

Where Turmeric Is Grown in Tamil Nadu

• The Erode, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, and Coimbatore are the main districts producing turmeric in large numbers in this state. Among these, Erode is the most prominent district & is often called the turmeric hub of the state. 

  
  

• Areas like Gobichettipalayam, Sathyamangalam, Kodumudi, and Bhavani are major growing and trading centres. Dharmapuri and Salem also contribute significantly to the overall production.

Types and Varieties of Turmeric in Tamil Nadu

• Erode turmeric (Chinna Nadan), which has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, is the most well-known variety of turmeric & is valued for its bright colour, aroma, and good curcumin content.

  
  

• Salem turmeric is another important variety, known for its deep colour and strong flavour. These regional varieties give Tamil Nadu turmeric a distinct market identity.

5. Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh may not match Maharashtra or Telangana in volume, but it remains one of the key contributors to India’s turmeric output. 

Where Turmeric Is Grown in Andhra Pradesh

• Turmeric cultivation in Andhra Pradesh is concentrated mainly in Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR), Krishna, Guntur, YSR Kadapa, and Bapatla districts. 

  
  

• In the Guntur region, the Duggirala market serves as the state’s primary commercial hub, with large-scale production from nearby villages like Tadepalli, Mangalagiri, and Kollipara.

Types and Varieties of Turmeric in Tamil Nadu

The Duggirala and Nizamabad varieties from Guntur, the Tekurpeta variety from the Kadapa district, are the major turmeric varieties grown in this state. 

Other States Growing Turmeric

Aside from these major producers, several other states also contribute to India’s overall turmeric production. These include Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Meghalaya.

Each of these states often focuses on local varieties that are well–adapted to their agro–climatic conditions, adding to the diversity of Indian turmeric production.

For example, Meghalaya is known for Lakadong turmeric, a variety renowned for its high curcumin content and growing popularity in national and international markets. 

Conclusion

India’s domination in turmeric production is clear, with the country producing more turmeric than any other place in the world and supplying a large share of the global turmeric market.

The major producing states - Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh form the backbone of this production, each contributing in ways that suit their local climates and agricultural practices.

With supportive government initiatives like the establishment of the National Turmeric Board and ongoing farmer outreach programmes, India’s turmeric market continues to evolve. 

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