India dominates global turmeric market with 70% of world exports: Study

New Delhi: India dominates the global turmeric market, with 70% of total world exports and between 2017 and 2023, turmeric exports increased from USD 182 million to USD 212 million, marking a 16% growth, reveals a recent Study by ICRIER.

The Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), in collaboration with Amway India Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., has undertaken a comprehensive study titled “Making India the Global Hub for Turmeric.” This in-depth study explores the untapped potential of India’s turmeric sector, offering a roadmap to establish the country as the world’s leading turmeric export hub.

The research team, led by Dr. Arpita Mukherjee along with Ms. Ketaki Gaikwad, Ms. Trishali Khanna, Ms. Aahana Srishti, Ms. Latika Khatwani, and Ms. Nandini Sen, has meticulously analyzed India’s standing as the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric. India accounts for over 75% of global turmeric production, cultivating more than 30 varieties across 20 states. The study highlights the versatility of turmeric’s applications across industries, including food, medicine, textiles, and cosmetics.

In the fiscal year 2022-23, India reaffirmed its status as a global leader in turmeric production, producing an impressive 11.7 lakh tonnes of turmeric across a sprawling 3.20 lakh hectares of land. This positions India as not only the largest producer but also a major player in global turmeric exports, accounting for nearly 70% of the world’s total supply.

Dr. Arpita Mukherjee, Professor at ICRIER and the study’s lead, said, “Turmeric has far-reaching applications, but India lacks a comprehensive strategy to fully leverage its potential. This study aims to fill that gap by identifying key issues and providing actionable insights for boosting India’s value-added turmeric exports.”

Highlighting key insights of the Study, Dr Mukherjee said, “Between 2017 and 2023, India’s turmeric exports surged, growing from USD 182 million to USD 212 million, reflecting a robust 16% growth over this period. This upward trajectory underscores the increasing global demand for Indian turmeric, driven by its diverse applications in food, cosmetics, traditional medicine, and the rapidly growing nutraceutical sector.”

According to the Study, turmeric’s high curcumin content has contributed to its growing popularity in health supplements and alternative medicine, where it is valued for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

However, despite this strong global presence, India’s share of turmeric exports has shown some variability, fluctuating between 65% and 75% during the same period. The Study reveals that these fluctuations call for a more consistent strategy to maintain and expand its market share, ensuring that India remains the dominant force in the global turmeric trade. By addressing these challenges, India can further solidify its position as the leading hub for turmeric production and export, the Study recommended.

The study aims to provide policy recommendations and a framework for scaling up India’s position in the global turmeric market. By conducting secondary data analysis and primary surveys across six major turmeric-growing states: Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Orissa, and Madhya Pradesh, ICRIER seeks to identify challenges and opportunities for value addition. The survey engaged 374 stakeholders, including farmers, FPOs, manufacturers, and traders. ICRIER has conducted consultations and interviews with policymakers and industry stakeholders to develop best practices for production, marketing, price risk management, and international trade.

The findings of this study will pave the way for India to enhance its competitiveness in the global turmeric market, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability, concluded Dr Arpita Mukherjee.