Export Challenges Mount for Indian Turmeric

18-Dec-2025 05:36 PM

Hyderabad: Although India remains the world's leading producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric, dominating the global export market with a share of approximately 70 percent,

it is now facing increasing challenges and competition from Vietnam, Myanmar, and some African countries. These countries are rapidly increasing their turmeric production and exports.

The Secretary of the National Turmeric Board (NTB) says that India needs to improve the quality of its turmeric to meet global standards. Indian turmeric is facing tough competition in the international market from countries where lower labor costs result in lower production costs. India needs to focus on increasing the curcumin content in turmeric and reducing the moisture level to below 10 percent. Better quality will provide India with a significant advantage.

According to the Secretary, while India's top exporters are keen to export as much turmeric as possible, they are specifically urging for increased production of high-quality planting material and emphasizing the use of good agricultural practices and techniques.

While it is not necessary for the produced turmeric to be organic, the use of integrated pest management techniques in turmeric cultivation is essential.

The increasing rate of rejection of Indian turmeric consignments in the US and European countries is a matter of serious concern. Although India remains the leading producer and exporter of turmeric, it needs to make serious efforts to face the growing competition and challenges in the global market.

Vietnam, Myanmar, and several African countries are making strong efforts to increase their share in the global turmeric export market. India must understand the seriousness of this threat and take special measures to maintain its leading position.