Turmeric Farming
Turmeric farming profit per acre is highly promising, with a profit margin of 77.2% calculated by dividing the net profit of NRs. 278,000 by the total investment of NRs. 360,000. Major cost components include seed or rhizomes (39% of total costs), land preparation (18.3%), and fertilizers (12.2%). The achieved yield of 8,000 kg per acre falls within typical production ranges, reflecting efficient cultivation practices. With returns amounting to 3.4 times the initial investment, turmeric farming offers strong economic viability and excellent profit potential for farmers.
Land Preparation
Land preparation for turmeric cultivation involves deep and thorough tillage to create a loose, well-aerated soil bed that supports optimal rhizome development and effective drainage. The process begins with an initial deep plowing to a depth of 25–30 cm using a moldboard plow or tractor-drawn implement to break up compacted soil layers. This is followed by 2–3 cross harrowings or rotavations to crush clods and achieve a fine tilth suitable for planting.
After tillage, the field must be carefully leveled to ensure uniform water distribution and to avoid waterlogging. Raised beds, typically 15–20 cm high and 1–1.2 meters wide, are then formed to enhance drainage and promote rhizome expansion, especially in regions with heavy rainfall or poorly drained soils. Alternatively, ridges and furrows may be used depending on local conditions.
Soil Type
Turmeric thrives best in well-drained sandy loam, clay loam, or red loam soils that are rich in organic matter, providing ideal conditions for healthy rhizome growth. The preferred soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 to 7.5), as extremely acidic (below 5.5) or highly alkaline (above 8.0) conditions are unsuitable for cultivation.
Proper drainage is a critical factor, as heavy clay soils that retain excess water can lead to rhizome rot and drastically reduce yields. Conversely, light sandy soils, while offering good drainage, require substantial organic manuring to improve moisture retention and nutrient availability for optimal plant development.
Climatic Requirements
| Factor | Ideal Conditions | Critical Considerations |
| Temperature | Tropical/subtropical climate (20°C–35°C / 68°F–95°F) | Growth stops below 20°C; frost causes significant damage |
| Rainfall | 1,500–2,500 mm/year (60–100 in), evenly distributed | Essential irrigation needed during initial 6–7 months if rains are inadequate or irregular |
| Altitude | Sea level to 1,500 meters | Highest productivity typically below 1,000 meters elevation |
| Light | Full sun or 25–50% shade | Partial shading recommended in extreme heat conditions |
Major Cultivars
Turmeric cultivars are chosen according to criteria including yield potential, curcumin content, disease resistance, and local condition adaptability, and they differ greatly between areas. Some of the noteworthy cultivars in India are ‘Erode Local’, ‘Salem’, ‘Suguna’, ‘Sudarshana’, ‘Krishna’, ‘Roma’, ‘Suvarna’, ‘Coimbatore’, ‘BSR-1’, and ‘BSR-2’. ‘Alleppey Finger’ is from Kerala and is renowned for its high curcumin content and export-friendly qualities. ‘Lakadong’, ‘Duggirala’, ‘Kasturi’, and ‘Narendra Haldi’ are prominent cultivars that are grown in different regions.
Seed Rate per Acre
The seed rate for turmeric cultivation typically ranges from 800 to 1000 kg of rhizomes per acre, depending on the size of the planting material and the spacing adopted. Before sowing, seed treatment is essential to prevent fungal infestation and ensure healthy crop establishment.
Rhizomes should be treated by dipping them for 20 minutes in a solution prepared using Quinalphos 25EC at 20 ml and Carbendazim at 10 g per 10 liters of water, which helps protect the planting material from fungal infections and improve overall crop health.
Planting
a). Planting Season
Turmeric is primarily planted with the onset of the monsoon rains, typically in April, aligning the planting season with favorable moisture conditions for sprouting and early growth. In regions with assured irrigation facilities, a second planting season is sometimes practiced during January to February, allowing for flexibility in crop scheduling based on local climatic and water availability conditions.
b). Spacing
It is generally advised to plant turmeric with a 30 cm gap between rows and a 20 cm gap between plants within each row.
c). Pit Preparation
On beds or ridges, tiny pits or holes are made at the suggested intervals, usually between 5 and 8 cm deep.
d). Planting Method
In turmeric cultivation, planting involves placing rhizome pieces—whole mother rhizomes or split finger rhizomes—vertically into prepared pits with the buds facing upwards. These should be lightly covered with soil, ensuring the buds remain just below the surface at a depth of about 2–4 cm. After placement, gentle pressing of soil around the seed piece is done to ensure proper contact and stability for sprouting.
e). Number of Plants per Acre
Based on a spacing of 30 cm × 20 cm, turmeric cultivation accommodates approximately 67,450 plants per acre.
Intercropping
Turmeric, being a long-duration crop (8–9 months) with relatively short stature during its early growth stages, is well-suited for intercropping with a variety of crops. Common intercrops include banana, coconut, arecanut, moringa (drumstick), castor, red gram (pigeon pea or arhar), maize, onion, and coriander. Intercropping turmeric helps maximize land use efficiency, generates additional income, provides beneficial partial shade—especially in hotter months—and can help suppress weed growth.
However, it is important to maintain adequate spacing between crops, carefully manage competition for nutrients and water, and avoid tall, dense intercrops that could excessively shade the turmeric plants.
Irrigation
Irrigation is vital for turmeric, especially during the first 6–7 months for germination, tillering, and rhizome development, as moisture stress can reduce yields. Weekly irrigation is generally needed during dry periods, with light, frequent watering preferred. Methods include furrow, raised bed, sprinkler, and drip irrigation, the latter being most efficient. Avoid water stagnation and stop irrigation 2–3 weeks before harvest to aid curing. Mulch with green leaves at 40–60 qtl/acre after planting and 30 qtl/acre after each fertilizer application.
Fertilizer and Manure
Soil testing is highly recommended before turmeric cultivation to determine the existing nutrient status of the soil, allowing for precise and balanced fertilizer application. This ensures optimal crop growth, prevents overuse or deficiency of nutrients, and enhances yield and soil health in the long term.
| Component | Application Rate | Timing/Splits | Additional Notes |
| Organic Matter | 10–15 tons/acre | During land preparation | Well-decomposed FYM or compost |
| Nitrogen (N) | 10 kg/acre | • 1/3 as basal dose • 1/3 at 45–60 DAP (after sprouting/tillering) • 1/3 at 90–120 DAP (rhizome initiation) | |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | 24 kg/acre | Entire dose as basal application at planting | |
| Potassium (K₂O) | 43 kg/acre | • 1/2 as basal dose • 1/2 at 90–120 DAP (rhizome development phase) | |
| Micronutrients | • Zinc (ZnSO₄): 6 kg/acre • Boron (Borax): 3 kg/acre • Magnesium (MgSO₄): 8 kg/acre | Based on soil test | Often applied as foliar sprays |
Weed Control
| Aspect | Details |
| Critical Period | First 3–4 months after planting, when weeds compete heavily for nutrients, water, and light during turmeric’s slow establishment phase. |
| Manual Weeding | 2–3 weeding typically at 30, 60, and 90 days after planting (DAP); use hand hoes carefully to avoid damaging shallow rhizomes. |
| Mulching | Apply organic mulch (paddy straw, dried leaves, coir dust) at 10–12 tonnes/acre immediately after planting to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and add organic matter; requires replenishment. |
| Herbicide Application | Apply Pendimethalin 30EC @ 800 ml/acre or Metribuzin 70WP @ 400 gm/acre in 200 liters of water within 2–3 days after planting; follow with covering field using green manure or paddy straw. |
| Earthing Up | Performed to enhance root development; first operation at 50–60 days after planting, second operation 40 days later. |
Flowering and Fruit Management
Turmeric plants produce a terminal flower spike on the main pseudo-stem, which typically appears 3–4 months after planting. To maximize rhizome development and yield, these flower spikes should be promptly removed in a practice called “deflowering.” This is important because flowering diverts significant energy and nutrients away from the rhizomes. By cutting the spike at the base with a knife, resources are redirected to the rhizomes, resulting in a yield increase of 15–25%.
Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests
a). Shoot Borer
A prevalent and harmful bug that damages turmeric during its vegetative stage is the shoot borer. The development of rhizomes and total output are greatly diminished when the larvae penetrate into the core shoots, resulting in yellowing, withering, and stunted growth. To reduce damage, early discovery and timely control are crucial.
To stop the larvae from spreading further, infected shoots should be carefully removed and destroyed. Chlorantraniliprole can be sprayed at a dosage of 4 kg per acre for more severe infestations, while Neem oil at a 0.5% concentration provides an environmentally acceptable alternative for efficient chemical management. Effective management of shoot borer requires quick intervention and routine monitoring.
b). Rhizome Scale
Rhizome scale is a storage pest that sucks sap from turmeric rhizomes, leading to shriveling, reduced vigor, and potential loss of viability for the next planting season. Effective management begins with the use of scale-free, healthy seed material to prevent infestation. Before storage or planting, seed rhizomes should be treated by dipping in a 0.1% Malathion solution to kill any hidden scales. Additionally, fumigating the storage area helps eliminate any residual pests and prevents the spread of infestation, ensuring the quality and health of stored rhizomes.
c). Thrips & Mites
C Thrips and mites are sucking pests that damage turmeric leaves, reducing growth and yield. Control them by spraying acaricides like Dicofol, Spiromesifen, or Abamectin. Neem-based pesticides such as Azadirachtin 0.3EC (2 ml/L) offer an eco-friendly alternative. Regular monitoring and timely sprays are important.ause leaf damage. Control: Spray Acaricides/Insecticides like Dicofol, Spiromesifen, or Abamectin. To control sucking pests take spray of neem based pesticide like Azadirachtin 0.3EC 2 ml/Ltr of water.
Common Diseases
a). Rhizome Rot
Most destructive. Causes yellowing, wilting, rotting rhizomes. Control: Use disease-free seed; Treat seed with Carbendazim (0.25%) or Mancozeb (0.3%) for 30 mins; Improve drainage; Avoid waterlogging; Drench soil with Copper oxychloride (0.25%) or Trichoderma viride. To prevent root or rhizome rot in turmeric, drench the crop with Mancozeb at 3 grams per liter of water at 30, 60, and 90 days after planting.
b). Leaf Spot
Leaf spot disease causes brown spots on turmeric leaves and can be controlled by spraying fungicides such as Mancozeb (0.25%) or Carbendazim (0.1%). If both blight and leaf spot infestations occur, alternate spraying Mancozeb (30 gm) and Carbendazim (30 gm) in 10 liters of water every 15–20 days, or use Propiconazole at 2 ml per liter of water for effective control.
c). Leaf Blotch
Leaf blotch in turmeric is a foliar disease that appears as irregular brown or dark lesions on the leaves, often reducing photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant health. If infestation is observed, it should be promptly managed to prevent further spread and crop damage. Effective control measures include spraying with Mancozeb at 20 grams or Copper oxychloride at 25 grams per 10 liters of water.
d). Bacterial Wilt
Turmeric is susceptible to bacterial wilt, a dangerous disease that frequently results in significant yield loss and causes wilting, yellowing, and plant collapse. As soon as symptoms start to show, apply 3 grams of copper oxychloride per liter of water to the afflicted and surrounding plants to control it. This protects the remaining crop by suppressing the bacteria in the soil and halting their spread.
Harvesting
Turmeric is typically harvested 8–9 months after planting, usually between January and March in India, when the lower leaves turn yellow and begin drying, and the aerial shoots (pseudo-stems) dry up—signaling maturity. Harvesting too early can reduce yield, while delaying harvest increases fiber content in the rhizomes.
The soil should be dry at harvest time. The process involves carefully loosening the soil around the clumps with a spade or fork, lifting the entire clump with roots and shoots intact, and gently shaking off excess soil without bruising the rhizomes. After harvesting, the shoots are cut 2–3 cm above the rhizomes, mother rhizomes are separated from finger rhizomes, and roots and remaining soil are removed.
Yield
| Yield Type | Quantity per Acre | Notes |
| Fresh Rhizomes | 8,000 – 12,000 kg | (8-12 tonnes/acre) |
| Cured Turmeric | 2,000 – 2,500 kg | Represents 20-25% of fresh rhizome weight |
Cost of Investment per Acre for Turmeric Farming
| S.N. | Category | Cost (NRs) |
| 1 | Land Preparation (plowing) | 15,000 |
| 2 | Seed/Rhizomes | 32,000 |
| 3 | Planting | 5,000 |
| 4 | Fertilizers and Manure | 10,000 |
| 5 | Irrigation | 5,000 |
| 6 | Weed Control | 4,000 |
| 7 | Pest & Disease Control | 3,000 |
| 8 | Harvesting | 5,000 |
| 9 | Miscellaneous Costs | 3,000 |
| Total Investment | 82,000 |
Income from per acre Turmeric Farming
| Particulars | Yield (kg) | Price (NRs/kg) | Income (NRs) |
| Fresh Turmeric | 8,000 | 45 | 360,000 |
Analysis of Turmeric Farming Profit Per Acre
| Metric | Calculation | Amount (NRs) |
| Total Income | 8,000 kg × 45 NRs/kg | 360,000 |
| Total Investment | As above | 82,000 |
| Net Profit | 360,000 – 82,000 | 278,000 |
The profit margin for turmeric farming is calculated at 77.2%, derived from dividing the net profit of NRs. 278,000 by the total investment of NRs. 360,000. Major cost components include seed/rhizomes (accounting for 39% of total costs), land preparation (18.3%), and fertilizers (12.2%). The achieved yield of 8,000 kg per acre falls within standard turmeric production ranges, demonstrating efficient cultivation practices. With returns generating 3.4 times the initial investment, turmeric farming demonstrates high profit potential and strong economic viability for agricultural operations.
Crop Calendar of Turmeric Farming
(Based on April planting (monsoon season) for 8–9-month cycle)
| Month | Growth Stage | Key Activities | Critical Notes |
| Feb-Mar | Pre-planting | Land Preparation: Deep plowing (25-30 cm), 2-3 cross harrowings, bed formation (15-20 cm height). Apply 10-15 tons/acre FYM. | Ensure soil pH 5.5-7.5; avoid waterlogged fields. |
| April | Planting | Seed Treatment: Dip rhizomes in Quinalphos+Carbendazim solution. Planting: Place rhizomes vertically (buds up) at 30×20 cm spacing. Apply basal fertilizers (1/3 N, full P, ½ K) + mulch (10-12 tons/acre). | Optimal timing: First monsoon showers. Herbicide (Pendimethalin) applied within 3 days. |
| May-Jun | Sprouting/Early growth | First weeding (30 DAP). Irrigation: Weekly light watering. Fertilizer: Apply 1/3 N at 45-60 DAP. Pest control: Monitor shoot borer; spray neem oil if needed. | Critical weed-free period. Mulch replenishment if degraded. |
| Jul-Aug | Tillering/Rhizome initiation | Second weeding + earthing up (50-60 DAP). Deflowering: Remove flower spikes. Fertilizer: Apply final 1/3 N + remaining ½ K (90-120 DAP). Disease control: Drench with Mancozeb (3g/L) for rot prevention. | Redirect energy to rhizomes (15-25% yield boost). Monitor leaf spot/blotch. |
| Sep-Oct | Rhizome development | Third weeding (if needed). Reduce irrigation frequency. Pest control: Spray for thrips/mites if infestation observed. | Ensure soil moisture consistency – avoid drought stress. |
| Nov-Dec | Maturation | Stop irrigation 2-3 weeks pre-harvest. Monitor: Leaf yellowing signals maturity. | Delay increases fiber content; harvest when 70-80% leaves dry. |
| Jan-Mar | Harvest | Harvest: Lift rhizomes carefully, cut shoots 2-3 cm above rhizomes. Post-harvest: Separate mother/finger rhizomes; cure (boil + sun-dry). | Yield: 8,000-12,000 kg fresh/acre → 2,000-2,500 kg cured. |
Sources
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) Agritech Portal
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC)
