The Turmeric plant is a herbaceous perennial, which grows to a height of 60-90.

Turmeric is a widely cultivated tropical plant of India, which is grown from sea level up to 1200 m

India produces nearly the whole world's Turmeric crop and consume 80% of it.

The major Turmeric producing states of India are Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Kerala.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Liliopsida
• Order: Zingiberales
• Family: Zingiberaceae
• Genus: Curcuma
• Species: longa

• The Rhizome of Turmeric is highly aromatic and antiseptic.
• Powdered Turmeric root is the best known as a popular spice.
• Turmeric Oleoresin is used in brine pickles and to some extent in mayonnaise and relish formulations.

Turmeric is a tropical crop that requires hot and moist climate.

Turmeric requires 11°C to 40°C temperature for proper growth. It is very sensitive to low temperature.

It is grown as un-irrigated crop in heavy rainfall areas and as irrigated crop in moderate rainfall area.

Turmeric requires well drained, loose and friable loamy or alluvial soil.

Heavy black or clayey soils are unsuitable as rhizome development is not proper.

Turmeric cannot stand in water logged or alkaline soil.

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  • Major Pests: Rhizome Fly, Shoot Boring caterpillar, Shoot Borer, Leaf Roller and Scale Insects.
  • Major Diseases: Rhizome Rot, Leaf Spot, Leaf Blotch, Dry Rot and Bacterial Wilt.
• Abiotic Causes:
  • Chlorosis
  • Scorching