Erode district's turmeric exports have climbed 5% this year compared to last year. The global demand is growing because of turmeric’s medicinal benefits and higher consumption worldwide. Erode turmeric, known for its high curcumin content between 2.5% and 3.9%, has a special Geographical Indication (GI) tag. It is one of the main crops in the district. The crop is planted in June-July and harvested in February-March after a 10-month cycle. After processing, turmeric is sold at regulated markets in Erode, Perundurai, and Gobichettipalayam. Erode’s turmeric market is the second largest in India after Nizamabad in Telangana. It accepts turmeric from nearby districts and some other states for auction. The spice is exported to Germany, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh. Between April and November 2024, exports were 1.21 lakh metric tonnes. In the same period this year, it rose to 1.27 lakh metric tonnes. M. Sathyamurthy, secretary of the Erode Turmeric Merchants and Godown Owners’ Association, told The Hindu, “Annual export growth has been in the range of 5% to 10% over the last few years.” He added, “post-COVID-19, demand for turmeric has increased globally due to its medicinal properties and higher consumption.” Turmeric grows on about 1.60 lakh acres in Tamil Nadu, with over 30% of that in Erode. Of nearly seven lakh bags produced statewide, Erode supplies over two lakh bags. The Department of Horticulture said turmeric area in Erode is increasing overall, with recorded acreage as follows: 10,522 acres (2020-21), 11,880 acres (2021-22), 11,599 acres (2022-23), 9,190 acres (2023-24), 11,406 acres (2024-25), and 11,860 acres (2025-26). Prices hovered between ₹5,000 and ₹6,000 per quintal over the last 12 years. But in 2024, it jumped to ₹24,000 before stabilizing between ₹12,000 and ₹15,000. This steady pricing encouraged farmers to grow more turmeric. On December 29, 2025, prices at Erode Regulated Market were ₹8,586 to ₹15,629 per quintal for finger variety and ₹7,569 to ₹14,333 for bulb variety.