The Government of India, through the Spices Board, is stepping up efforts to boost turmeric exports under its “Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development” (SPICED) scheme. The initiative focuses on enhancing quality, expanding market reach, and strengthening linkages between farmers, processors, and global buyers.

Key measures include implementing food safety and certification systems, upgrading post-harvest quality, supporting processing and value addition, and conducting training for turmeric stakeholders to improve quality and entrepreneurial skills. Export consignments are evaluated in laboratories to meet importing countries’ specifications, and Buyer-Seller meets—both domestic and international—are being organised to create direct market access.

To further unlock turmeric’s potential, the government established the National Turmeric Board on October 4, 2023. Its objectives include promoting new product development, raising global awareness, conducting market research, improving export infrastructure, building sustainable supply chains, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and fostering research on turmeric’s medicinal and wellness benefits.

India continues to be the world’s largest exporter of turmeric, accounting for 66% of global turmeric exports in 2024valued at USD 333.25 million. Export volumes in 2024–25 stood at 176,325 metric tonneswith Maharashtra leading state-wise exports at USD 155.35 million, followed by West Bengal, Kerala, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. The top five importers of Indian turmeric over the past five years have been Bangladesh, the UAE, the USA, Malaysia, and Morocco.

According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, these combined interventions are designed to solidify India’s dominance in global turmeric markets while ensuring long-term sustainability and value addition for farmers.