|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indian turmeric faces tough phase in global markets amid quality concerns
|
|
Saturday, 20 December, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Abhitash Singh, Mumbai
|
Indian turmeric, long regarded as the gold standard in the global spice trade, is currently facing a challenging phase in international markets due to rising quality-related concerns. Exporters and trade bodies indicate that stricter quality norms, residue limits and increasing competition from other producing countries have impacted India’s turmeric shipments, especially to premium markets.
One of the key issues affecting exports is the presence of pesticide residues, heavy metals and contamination in certain consignments, leading to rejections and enhanced scrutiny by importing nations. Markets such as the European Union, the US and Japan have tightened their food safety and traceability requirements, making compliance more complex and cost-intensive for exporters. Inconsistent quality across producing regions has further added to buyer apprehensions.
Another challenge is the lack of uniform post-harvest practices. Improper curing, drying and storage often result in variations in curcumin content, colour and moisture levels, which are critical parameters for international buyers. While India remains the world’s largest producer and exporter of turmeric, these inconsistencies are affecting its competitiveness against countries like Vietnam, Myanmar and Indonesia, which are increasingly offering standardised and traceable produce.
The issue has also impacted prices, with buyers adopting a cautious approach and negotiating aggressively or shifting to alternative origins. Exporters point out that frequent alerts and rejections not only result in financial losses but also damage India’s long-standing reputation as a reliable turmeric supplier.
Industry experts believe that addressing quality challenges will require a coordinated effort across the value chain. Improved farmer awareness on good agricultural practices (GAP), controlled use of agrochemicals, better curing infrastructure and stronger testing facilities at the farm and mandal level are seen as critical steps. Enhancing traceability, batch-wise testing and adopting international certifications could help restore buyer confidence.
Despite the current headwinds, demand for turmeric remains strong globally due to its medicinal, culinary and nutraceutical applications. With focused interventions on quality, consistency and compliance, India has the potential to regain its leadership position and strengthen its presence in the global turmeric market.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|