Turmeric isn’t just a spice in India—it’s a part of life. From religious rituals to traditional medicine, from festivals to everyday cooking, it’s woven into the country’s cultural fabric. Karnataka’s state flag itself is colored in arishina (turmeric yellow) and kumkuma (vermilion red), symbolizing its deep-rooted significance. In Maharashtra’s Pattan Kodoli, people play Holi with turmeric instead of colors, turning the town golden. Even during Makar Sankranti, cattle are adorned with turmeric paste, believed to have cooling and healing properties.
India’s Dominance in Global Production
Beyond its cultural role, turmeric is an economic powerhouse. India dominates global production with a staggering 74% share, followed by China, Indonesia, Nigeria, Thailand, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Within India, the biggest turmeric-producing states are Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. These regions form the backbone of an industry that extends far beyond kitchen shelves.
The Shift to Extraction-Grade Turmeric
In recent years, turmeric’s value has shifted from mere culinary use to extraction, thanks to the rising demand for curcumin, the compound responsible for its health benefits. Traditionally, turmeric fingers were used for extraction, but a major shift has occurred with the increasing use of Kocha turmeric, also known as mother turmeric (Panangali in Tamil Nadu, Thaimanjal in Kerala). Kocha has a naturally higher curcumin content, making it ideal for nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods.
Market Volatility: A Rollercoaster Year
The turmeric market entered 2025 on a high, with limited supply initially pushing prices up. However, as fresh stocks entered the market, the trend reversed drastically, causing a price slump. Farmers expanded turmeric acreage by over 7%, and carry-forward stocks from the previous season created an oversupply, briefly sending prices tumbling. Demand, though strong, struggled to absorb the surplus, and rising land and seed costs made cultivation more expensive, tightening margins for farmers.
Now, the tide is shifting again. Karnataka, the leading producer of extraction-grade turmeric, is witnessing a price recovery driven by renewed demand from the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Higher curcumin-content turmeric varieties, particularly Kocha turmeric, are in high demand, supporting an uptrend in the market.
Turmeric Prices in Maharashtra and Karnataka
Maharashtra, which suffered from excess post-monsoon rains in key districts like Hingoli, Nanded, and Sangli, initially faced crop damage. However, the region’s high-curcumin turmeric remains sought after for extraction, further stabilizing prices. The powdering industry also continues to favor Tamil Nadu’s turmeric for its bright yellow hue, keeping demand steady.
Karnataka’s turmeric crop, in particular, has benefitted from better moisture retention, leading to higher yields per acre. This has helped offset some of the supply shocks from other states. Additionally, the global turmeric market is seeing significant shifts—Vietnam, which had been steadily increasing production, is now scaling back as farmers switch to more profitable crops like coffee and durian. Meanwhile, Nigeria, another major turmeric producer, has expanded its output, but a depreciating currency has made its exports less competitive, indirectly boosting demand for Indian turmeric. These factors have contributed to stronger international demand, supporting Indian turmeric prices. If this trend continues, prices may remain on an upward trajectory in the coming months.
India’s Response: The New Turmeric Board
To address these market fluctuations, India has established a dedicated Turmeric Board in Telangana. The board aims to support farmers, boost research into high-curcumin varieties, expand India’s global market share, and improve post-harvest infrastructure. While its immediate impact on pricing remains uncertain, it could bring much-needed stability to the market in the long run.
Turmeric’s Role Beyond the Spice Rack
Turmeric’s influence isn’t limited to kitchens or wellness trends—it has become a pop culture sensation. From Hollywood to social media, turmeric is enjoying its moment in the spotlight. One of the biggest indicators of turmeric’s crossover appeal is its presence in Western food culture. Starbucks’ Golden Milk Latte, a modern adaptation of India’s haldi doodh, has gained global popularity as a wellness drink.
In the beauty industry, turmeric has been embraced for its skincare benefits, with brands like Kiehl’s and The Body Shop launching turmeric-infused products. Even in sports, former footballer Robson Kanu’s company, The Turmeric Co., has gained a loyal following among professional athletes for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Meanwhile, turmeric’s vibrant aesthetics make it a social media favorite, with Instagram flooded with turmeric-infused recipes, from golden hummus to turmeric smoothie bowls. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston have further propelled its popularity, reinforcing its reputation as a wellness essential.
The Road Ahead
Despite the market’s recent volatility, turmeric remains a crop to watch. The coming months will determine how quickly the market absorbs excess stock, whether the Turmeric Board can help stabilize prices, and how global supply adjusts as Vietnam scales back production. What remains clear is that turmeric is far more than just an agricultural commodity—whether in fields, festivals, nutraceuticals, or coffee cups, its golden glow continues to hold an enduring place in India’s economy and culture.