Demand for expensive black turmeric rises, farmers show increased enthusiasm for cultivation

While ordinary yellow turmeric is found everywhere in the market, there is now a significant surge in the demand for black turmeric. Due to its unique properties, this turmeric is sold at a much higher price than ordinary turmeric, leading to increased interest among farmers in its cultivation. According to Aaj Tak, the price of black turmeric can range from ₹500 to ₹2,000 per kg across different markets and online platforms. In some cases, the price is even higher, making it an attractive source of income for farmers.

Known in English as 'Black Turmeric', its scientific name is 'Curcuma caesia'. This plant is part of the same family as ginger and ordinary yellow turmeric. Its most prominent feature is the rhizome that grows underground. Externally, it looks similar to ordinary turmeric, but when cut, the interior reveals a deep blue-black or dark purple colour. Additionally, its aroma is entirely different from that of ordinary yellow turmeric.

In terms of usage, ordinary yellow turmeric is primarily used as a spice and colour in cooking. In contrast, black turmeric is used in traditional medicine, Ayurvedic products, cosmetics, and scientific research. This turmeric contains various natural chemical elements, which are currently the subject of various research studies.

The primary reasons for the high market price of black turmeric are its availability and demand. While ordinary yellow turmeric is cultivated on a large scale, the cultivation of black turmeric is not yet as prevalent. The number of farmers cultivating this variety is very limited, resulting in a low market supply. On the other hand, there is a high demand for it in traditional medicines and cosmetic products, making buyers willing to pay higher prices for high-quality rhizomes.

Factors such as quality, moisture content, shape of the rhizome, cleanliness, and whether it is raw or dried play a significant role in determining the price of turmeric. For these reasons, prices are not uniform across all markets. According to some estimates, prices between ₹500 to ₹900 per kg are expected for black turmeric, while in some places, it is sold at ₹2,000 per kg.

Regarding yield, the black turmeric crop generally takes 8 to 9 months to mature. Subsequently, the rhizomes grown underground are excavated. The amount of turmeric obtained from a single plant depends on the seed variety, soil type, weather, irrigation, and plant care. Therefore, there is no guarantee of uniform yield from every plant. Farmers must keep in mind that there is a significant difference in weight between raw and dried rhizomes, which affects the income calculations.

To understand the mathematics of earnings, taking an example: if a farmer gets 100 grams of raw black turmeric from one plant and receives a price of ₹500 per kg, the value of that plant's yield is approximately ₹50. If they receive a price of ₹2,000 per kg, the value of 100 grams of turmeric becomes ₹200. However, Aaj Tak states that the price of ₹2,000 per kg is not available to every farmer. This high price is often for special quality, limited quantity, or for a specific buyer. Additionally, costs for seeds, fertilizer, irrigation, labour, excavation, and packing are added to the cultivation, so it is not appropriate to assume a profit of hundreds of rupees from every plant based solely on high market prices.

The method of cultivating black turmeric is not through ordinary seeds, but through pieces of its rhizomes. Farmers cut the rhizomes and plant them in the field, from which new plants grow. Soil that does not retain stagnant water but maintains necessary moisture is considered best for this cultivation. Adding well-decomposed manure while preparing the field benefits the crop.