Turmeric varieties

ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode (IISR Calicut), Kerala · Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), ICAR · 1996

First turmeric variety in the world developed through true seedling selection, alongside IISR Prathibha. Superior curcumin (6.52%) and oleoresin (15.0%) content, surpassing Alleppey. Excellent dry recovery at 19.5%.

ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode (IISR Calicut), Kerala · Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), ICAR · 1996

High curcumin content and oleoresin. Resistance to root-knot nematodes. Versatile cultivation across India. One of only two seedling-selected varieties in the world (alongside IISR Prabha).

ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala · Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), ICAR · 2004

High-yielding variety with strong curcumin (5.70%) and oleoresin content. Shows consistency and stability across multiple environments. Named after Kedaram district where selection work was conducted. Resistant to leaf blotch disease.

ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala; germplasm from Andhra Pradesh · Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), ICAR · 1991

Short-duration variety (190 days). Moderate tolerance to pests and diseases. High yield with good quality rhizomes. Widely adopted in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.

ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala; germplasm from Singhat, Manipur · Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), ICAR · 1991

Short-duration, disease-resistant variety. Thick, plump rhizomes. Resilience to major pests and diseases makes it preferred by farmers. Northeast-adapted germplasm with strong field performance.

Lakadong village, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, India (900-1,800 m altitude) · Farmer-stewarded, tribal communities of Jaintia Hills (women-led traditional cultivation) · Traditional variety; GI tag awarded March 30, 2024

Exceptionally high curcumin content (7-12%, with certified samples reaching 12%). Cool altitude, organic cultivation, and rich loamy soil create a signature chemical profile. Geographic Indication protected by Government of India, valid until February 14, 2031. Global demand for premium applications. Women farmers maintain cultivation knowledge.

Central districts of Kerala (Alleppey region, Kottayam, Idukki), India · Farmer-selected local cultivar, Kerala · Traditional variety; documented for export since mid-20th century

Premium export variety prized in North America and Europe for high curcumin (5-6.5%), natural orange-yellow colour, and fresh turmeric-like flavour. Finger refers to whole dried rhizomes resembling fingers. Oily texture due to high curcumin.

Sangli district, western Maharashtra, India · Farmer-selected cultivar, Sangli region · Traditional variety; longstanding cultivation in Sangli

Premier cultivar of Sangli region, prized for large, well-formed fingers, deep golden colour, balanced curcumin content (2.8-4.4%), and consistent quality. Warm, earthy flavour with strong presence. Sangli black soil imparts consistent deep colour.

Erode district, Tamil Nadu; also Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Krishnagiri districts · Farmer-selected local cultivar, Erode region · Traditional variety; GI tag awarded March 6, 2019

Golden-yellow turmeric with pest resistance post-boiling. Curcumin content 2.5-4.5%. Geographic Indication protected. Strong local and export demand. Second-largest turmeric producer state.

Sangli district, Maharashtra, India · Farmer-selected cultivar, Sangli region · Traditional variety; GI tag awarded November 7, 2018

Thick, fleshy rhizomes with minimal wrinkles and thin skin. Consistent deep saffron colour throughout (soil-linked quality). Rich earthy, slightly bitter, peppery flavour with mustardy aroma. Sangli is Asia's premier turmeric trading hub and globally significant market. Fertile black soil and dry climate contribute to quality.

Meghalaya (Ri-Bhoi district); developed from Lakadong germplasm via tissue culture · Meghalaya State Agricultural Department and ICAR institutes (tissue culture cloning) · Introduced 2013-2014; field tested and adopted

Tissue-cultured clone of superior Lakadong genotype, ensuring genetic purity and disease-free stock. High curcumin (6.8-8%). Pathogen-free certified planting material. Maintains Lakadong potency while providing certified stock. High market demand in India.

Armoor village, Nizamabad district, Telangana, India · Farmer-selected cultivar, Nizamabad region · Traditional variety; GI application approved by Registry with technical clearance 2024-2025

First turmeric variety from Telangana to reach GI approval stage (seventh variety nationally). Vibrant colour, high quality, excellent dry recovery. Over 80% of Nizamabad turmeric is Erra Guntur/Armoor type. Strong global demand. GI protection expected to boost exports and farmer premiums.

ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala · Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), ICAR · 2016

High-yielding short-duration variety (180 days). Solves irrigation-shortage problems for water-scarce regions. 30% yield increase over national average, 34% over local varieties. Stable, high curcumin (5.02%) across locations. Moderate root-knot nematode resistance.

ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode (germplasm from Assam) · ICAR-IISR · 1987

ICAR-IISR’s very first turmeric release — a short-duration type with deep-orange rhizomes and field tolerance to rhizome rot, leaf blotch and leaf spot.

ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode · ICAR-IISR · 2004

A high-oleoresin Alleppey type (oleoresin ~16%) with reddish-orange rhizomes and consistent curcumin; tolerant to leaf blotch. Suited to rainfed Kerala and irrigated Maharashtra, Karnataka and North Bengal.