Consider the following statements about turmeric during the year 2022-23 :

I. India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world.
II. More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown in India.
III. Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are major turmeric producing States in India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) I, II and III

The correct answer is (d) I, II and III.

Explanation

Statement I: Correct. India is the undisputed global leader in turmeric. It is the world’s largest producer, accounting for over 75% of the total global production. It is also the largest exporter, supplying turmeric to countries like the USA, Bangladesh, UAE, and Malaysia.
Statement II: Correct. India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions allow for the cultivation of numerous varieties of turmeric, each with its own unique characteristics (like curcumin content, color, and aroma). Well-known varieties include ‘Lakadong’ (Meghalaya), ‘Sangli’ (Maharashtra), ‘Erode’ (Tamil Nadu), and ‘Nizamabad Gold’ (Telangana). The number of cultivated varieties is well over 30.
Statement III: Correct. These four states are the powerhouses of turmeric production in India. Maharashtra (especially the Sangli region), Telangana (Nizamabad district), Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu (Erode region) consistently rank as the top producers, collectively accounting for the vast majority of the country’s total turmeric output.