Turmeric Export from India: The Ultimate Guide
- ASHADHAN EXIM PVT LTD
- Jul 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 18
India accounts for over 80% of the world’s turmeric production, making it a global leader in the turmeric trade. With rising global demand in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and wellness, exporting turmeric from India has become one of the most profitable agri-business opportunities.
Several Indian states contribute to the overall turmeric production of the country, which has led to a great deal of turmeric exports from India over the years to several countries in the world. In 2024 alone, India exported 145000 metric tonnes of turmeric, and this number continues to increase.
So, whether you are an aspiring exporter or an international buyer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about turmeric export from India.
Forms of Turmeric Exported From India
India exports turmeric in various forms to cater to the specific needs of different global markets, industries, and applications.
Turmeric Finger – Raw dried form, directly obtained after boiling and drying the harvested roots
Turmeric Powder – Made by finely grinded dried turmeric fingers, widely used in culinary applications across the globe for its distinct flavour, vibrant colour, and health benefits.
Black Turmeric – A rarer type of turmeric used in medicinal and spiritual purposes, often exported in small quantities in countries with strong herbal medicine markets.
Turmeric Exports From India - Licenses and Certifications Required
To legally export turmeric from India, you need to comply with certain licensing and certification guidelines:
Mandatory Documents & Licenses:
Import-Export Code (IEC) – Issued by DGFT, this is the first requirement.
FSSAI License – For food-grade turmeric exports.
APEDA Registration – Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
Phytosanitary Certificate – To confirm the product is pest-free and disease-free.
Spices Board Registration – Recommended for quality assurance and export subsidies.
Certificate of Origin – Needed for tariff benefits in importing countries.
Lab Testing Report – Includes curcumin content, moisture %, and mesh size.
GST Registration – For taxation compliance.
How Profitable Is It To Export Indian Turmeric
The profit margins in turmeric exports are highly attractive. A 25 kg bag of turmeric finger in bulk may cost around INR 2,200–2,800 in the Indian market and can be sold internationally for $45–55, depending on quality and destination.
By minimising middlemen, ensuring quality compliance, and building strong buyer relationships, turmeric exporters can earn margins ranging from 15–30% or higher.
How The Global Turmeric Market Is Progressing
The global turmeric market was valued at USD 3.5 billion in 2023, and it is projected to reach USD 5.7 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7 to 8%. This growth is driven by increasing awareness about turmeric’s health benefits, especially its active ingredient, curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunity-boosting properties.
Top countries Importing Turmeric In the world
Here is a comprehensive list of the top countries importing Turmeric:
Bangladesh,
US,
China,
Iran,
India,
Malaysia,
UAE,
Saudi Arabia,
Japan,
UK,
Germany,
Netherlands,
Morocco.
Countries like the United States, UAE, Bangladesh, Iran, Malaysia, Japan, Germany, and the UK are among the top importers of turmeric. These nations import turmeric in various forms, which are powder, finger, and processed extracts, for use in culinary products, dietary supplements, and cosmetics.
How India Dominates The Turmeric Production
India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world, contributing to nearly 80–85% of global output. The total turmeric exports from India over the last three years were 1.45 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, 1.67 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, and 1.53 lakh tonnes in 2022-23, with a major portion going to the US, UAE, and Bangladesh.
Here is a breakdown of how the total production stood over the last few years.
Top Turmeric Producing States in India:
India, being the highest producer of turmeric, is mainly because of the contribution from several states specialising in growing turmeric varieties of different colour, aroma, and curcumin content. These states have the ideal climate and soil conditions, playing a vital role in the production of high-quality turmeric.
Below is the list of the top states in India that produce turmeric in large numbers:
Telangana: Known as the Turmeric Capital of India, Nizamabad produces turmeric with high curcumin content.
Andhra Pradesh: In Andhra Pradesh, districts like Guntur and Kadapa are major contributors to India’s turmeric production. Andhra turmeric is popular for its bright yellow colour and is often preferred in powder and curcumin extraction industries.
Maharashtra: Sangli is a major turmeric-growing region in Maharashtra. Its turmeric is favoured for its bold fingers.
Tamil Nadu: Erode district in Tamil Nadu is well-known for its distinctive variety of turmeric called Erode Turmeric.
Odisha: Koraput and Kandhamal districts grow both conventional and organic turmeric.
West Bengal: West Bengal produces turmeric with moderate curcumin levels, mostly used domestically. However, districts like Bankura and Purulia have growing trade links.
Karnataka:
Chikmagalur and Belgaum are popular producers of turmeric in Karnataka. Turmeric from Karnataka is often used in ayurvedic formulations and spice blends.
Turmeric Export Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
1. Sourcing
You have to first source turmeric from trusted farms or wholesale markets in key producing regions across India.
2. Cleaning & Drying
Once sourced, the turmeric is cleaned to remove any impurities and then sun-dried or machine-dried under hygienic conditions.
3. Grinding & Testing
If you are exporting turmeric powder, then it is ground and tested for moisture content and curcumin levels to ensure quality.
4. Packaging
Once the powder is ready, it is packed in export-grade 25kg/50kg HDPE or jute bags to maintain freshness during transit.
5. Labelling & Documentation
The packed bags are then labelled with batch details, and important documents like invoices, certificates, and permits are prepared.
6. Customs & Shipping
The last step is to get your goods cleared by Indian customs and ship them as per the buyer preference.
Why Choose Ashadhan for Bulk Turmeric Supply?
At Ashadhan EXIM Pvt. Ltd., we specialise in delivering high-grade turmeric with:
Verified curcumin content (up to 3–4%)
Custom packaging solutions
Private labelling support
Lab-tested quality
Efficient port-side logistics
Whether you're looking for turmeric powder in bulk or raw turmeric finger, we cater to importers, wholesalers, and private brands across the US, UAE, Europe, and more.
Looking to source turmeric from India?
Connect with Ashadhan EXIM Pvt. Ltd. today — we’ll guide you through the complete process, from sampling, documentation, to final delivery.