Turmeric can be grown in small and large spaces.
It can also grow in raised beds, rooftops, and even indoors.
If you’re planning to grow Turmeric in an acre or just want to have that idea, here’s how much turmeric you’ll need:
An acre of land can yield 8,000 to 10,000 kilograms of the turmeric herb. Under favorable conditions, yields can increase to 12,000 kilograms per acre.
Here’s what to expect from a turmeric crop. Typically, a single acre can produce enough turmeric to supply approximately 300 to 400 hundred people for a year.
Important Facts About Turmeric and Growth Tips
Let’s discuss some of the important facts about Turmeric:
Curcumin is a rhizome
Researchers in India found that the rhizomes of the turmeric plant contain high amounts of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric.
The rhizomes are also economically important, but their flavor is mild compared to those of related species.
The rhizomes also contain some of the plant’s most valuable medicinal compounds, including curcuminoids. These compounds comprise as much as 5% of the dry weight of the rhizome and have been the subject of numerous clinical trials.
The yellow rhizome of the turmeric plant is used in the preparation of a number of medicines, including turmeric, as well as in Indian and Chinese cuisine.
It is also commonly used as a dye and is a common spice in curry recipes.
The main component of turmeric is curcumin, which is highly absorbable. This compound is responsible for turmeric’s many health benefits and is one of the most studied curcuminoids in nature.
Microrhizomes grown on a medium containing 3% sucrose produced the greatest amount of curcumin.
Growing microrhizomes in this medium also yielded a significant amount of curcuminoids.
However, the amount of curcumin was lower in the microrhizomes grown on 5% sucrose alone. Similarly, exposure to red light also increased the production of curcuminoids.
Predicting the curcumin content in turmeric using soil and environmental data has shown promising results.
By incorporating soil and environmental data, the prediction model can accurately predict curcumin levels at new sites and be close to the experimental value. When tested on a reserved data set, the ANN model was 80% accurate.
This prediction model was then applied at the Pottangi site, which yielded 0.8 mg of curcumin per liter.
Growing Turmeric plant: Spacing
Turmeric plants need a moist soil, so they are typically planted under a moist straw bed. They are spaced at about 30 to 45 cm apart.
Turmeric seedlings are normally sown during late spring after pre-monsoon showers.
Turmeric is best planted after germination, which occurs in about three to four weeks. Then, turmeric fertilization begins.
To fertilize turmeric, use water that has a neutral pH level.
How Much Turmeric Seeds to Plant
To grow turmeric, you’ll need at least 800 kilograms of seed per acre.
The yields of turmeric vary widely, but a single acre can yield anywhere from eight to ten thousand kilograms.
It can reach up to 12000 kilograms, depending on conditions.
Regardless of the type of crop you grow, good quality seeds are essential to your success.
Turmeric can be vulnerable to diseases and pests, so good seeds are a key to successful production.
To make growing turmeric as profitable as possible, you’ll need to learn about the nuances of turmeric production and cultivation.
The crop matures in seven to nine months after sowing. Turmeric is classified as angiospermae, which means that it has seeds hidden in the root. Curcuma belongs to the ginger family, the Zingiberaceae.
Turmeric grows from a rootstock known as a rhizome. Rhizomes are horizontal growth structures and send out roots from nodes.
Turmeric is used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine
In ancient Indian medicine, the varmam, or intersections of body parts, are believed to be the source of disease. The siddhars would research medicinal plants and classify them according to their effects on the body.
Modern siddha practitioners also classify herbs based on their effects. But the varmam are not fixed, and some medicines are not allowed in India due to legal restrictions.
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that focuses on the preservation of health and preventing illness. One of the most important components of Ayurvedic medicine is herbal medicines.
Many of the herbs found in Ayurveda are believed to protect the body from disease, while others improve digestion and mental health. Ashwagandha is a small woody plant native to India and North Africa, which is used in a popular Ayurvedic remedy.
Ayurvedic medicines are natural and derived from simple plant materials. They are not toxic and do not cause side effects.
Some medicines are taken with milk or water, and some require lifestyle and dietary changes work properly.
However, they can have life-changing effects for the patient, if used correctly. So, why take the risk when there are so many benefits to Ayurveda?
Ayurveda and Siddha medicine use different methods. Ayurveda emphasizes herbal treatment, while Siddha medicine focuses on conjunctive use of minerals and plants.
The ayurvedic practitioner would prescribe herbs in the initial phase of treatment, followed by the judicious use of other herbs and minerals. The Siddha theory also believed that mercury alone could cure disease. However, both mercury and sulfur are extremely toxic to the human body.
Turmeric is grown in India
Growing turmeric requires a good deal of soil preparation, which requires preparation of the rhizomes.
The seed rhizomes are generally stored under moist straw for up to two months before planting.
The best time to plant turmeric is after pre-monsoon showers, which can be in April for Kerala or in late May for parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Turmeric also needs manure to grow well, so the rhizomes are covered with rotten cow manure or Trichoderma mixed compost. One acre of land requires up to 1000 kg of turmeric rhizomes.
Earlier, the state of Goa had set up a four-acre greenhouse to grow turmeric.
At an expense of around Rs 10 crore, he started cultivating turmeric in a galvanized tray system, using an art form of vertical farming. Today, he harvests as much as eight to ten tonnes of turmeric per acre, earning between Rs 3 crore and 3.5 crore per acre.
Growing Turmeric in an acre: Is it easy?
Growing turmeric in an acre is not easy, as its yield is high-priced and not suitable for a small farm.
Despite the high price of turmeric, production is increasing globally, thereby depriving farmers of their share of the lucrative crop.
An acre of turmeric can yield up to 20 tonnes of dried turmeric, which translates to about four tonnes per hectare. Hence, it is a good idea to apply a good amount of FYM or compost when preparing the land.
Fortunately, cultivating turmeric on a small scale is relatively easy. Under proper management and maintenance, it can be a profitable process.
However, it will require a lot of effort and patience. While there are many risks involved, there are benefits to turmeric cultivation as well.
If you are willing to take on the work and maintain the crop turmeric cultivation will be an excellent addition to your business plan. When you know the right way to plant turmeric in your garden, you will be glad you did.
Going Organic with Turmeric
In order to make the most of your land, however, you must first establish organic farming. Read on to learn more about how to go organic with turmeric.
There are several factors to consider. One factor is whether the crop is adaptable. In India, turmeric grows better than any other crop, and it is not water-guzzling.
Turmeric can be grown alongside other crops, and it benefits both farmers and the soil. Farmers are encouraged to grow turmeric, but grading standards have not yet been established.
This makes it difficult to sell turmeric at a good price on eNAM.
The growing conditions for turmeric are quite diverse. It grows best at about 1500 meters above sea level. It requires well-drained soil, good drainage, and a climate with a temperature range of 20 to 35°C.
Conclusion
Turmeric thrives in soils with a pH of 4.5 to 7 and a high organic content. It will be ready to harvest seven to nine months after sowing.
A major growing state is Andhra Pradesh, followed by Kerala, Karnataka, and Assam.
Aim for a high yield when growing turmeric in your garden.
Turmeric grows best on loamy soil but cannot grow in waterlogged conditions. It is recommended to plant turmeric in planting beds that are at least one meter wide and 50 cm apart.
Turmeric rhizomes should be sown in late April and transplanted in the first fortnight of June. Ideally, you should use a 35-45-day old seedling for transplanting.