Arpita Mukherjee, Professor and Eshana Mukherjee, External Consultant, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) stresses on the need for a Turmeric Board and other policy changes to promote the growth of high yield varieties of turmeric
As global consumers increasingly seek functional foods and natural remedies to boost immunity and achieve holistic healthcare, the nutraceutical industry—described as ‘food or food components that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition’—has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Projected to expand rapidly in the coming decade, the global market for food, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sectors was valued at around USD 400 billion in 2024.
With its traditional knowledge rooted in rich heritage—particularly in Ayurveda—India has the potential to become a key player in this rapidly growing nutraceutical market, which is now combining traditional knowledge with modern science and research.
Laying a strong foundation for preventive healthcare, the traditional medicine system centres around remedies using herbs and spices for a natural approach to health and well-being. India accounts for around 89 per cent of the Ayurveda market and is one of the largest herb and spices producers in the world. This makes the country an important destination for global nutraceutical companies to develop products with traditional Indian spices and herbs for boosting immunity and preventing illness. Among these, turmeric stands out as a widely recognised superfood. Celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, turmeric, which is rich in curcumin content (higher than 5 per cent), is extensively used as the ‘wonder drug of life’ to prevent and manage various illnesses. With its several health benefits, it has emerged as a key ingredient in nutraceuticals and functional foods, with studies also recognising its effectiveness in wound healing, diabetes management, cardiovascular health and as an anti-allergen agent.
As consumers in developed countries such as the USA and the EU seek healthier options, the market for nutraceuticals using turmeric has a huge untapped potential. Today, India leads the global turmeric production, supplying over 70 per cent, as of FY 2022-23, and contributes to more than 66 per cent of global turmeric exports. However, much of this turmeric is used for food and does not meet the curcumin level and quality requirements of the nutraceutical industry. In fact, due to this, India imports turmeric, particularly the dry variety, mainly from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Myanmar, to meet its domestic demand.
More than 30 varieties of turmeric are cultivated in India across more than 20 states, with curcumin content varying significantly. Most of these varieties, like the Salem, Armoor, and Sudarshana turmeric, have less than 4 per cent curcumin content, limiting their use in health and nutraceutical products. Among the seven geographic indications (GI) turmeric varieties, curcumin content ranges from 2.5 – 4.5 per cent in Erode Manjal (Tamil Nadu) and 3.45 per cent in Sangli (Maharashtra), to 6.12 per cent in Waigon (Maharashtra) and 6.8–7.5 per cent in Lakadong (Meghalaya). The high-curcumin varieties, like Waigon and Lakadong turmeric, are gaining international attention for their medicinal benefits, yet their production remains insufficient to meet the rising global demand.
As global demand rises for high-curcumin, low-residue turmeric, India must enhance R&D, innovation, and quality standards to sustain its dominance and move up the value chain from raw exports to nutraceuticals. Leveraging its Ayurvedic heritage, India can develop new herb- and spice-based products. Establishing clear standards for Ayurveda, as initiated by FSSAI, will further integrate traditional Indian medicine into the mainstream global nutraceutical, functional food, and preventive healthcare industries.
Setting up the Turmeric Board will give this sector focused attention. The Board can drive targeted strategies for growth and government support for scaling up high-curcumin turmeric production, and developing value-added products. It can also work with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to promote value-added products in export markets and market diversification.
By prioritising research, standardisation, and high-value product innovation, India can position itself as a global leader in turmeric-based nutraceuticals, transforming its ancient herbal knowledge into a modern healthcare powerhouse. To achieve this, strong collaboration between government bodies, industry players and research institutions is essential.
