Sustainable Turmeric Farming : Erode's Indian Saffron

June 9th, 2023

India is the largest producer and exporter of spices in the world, and Turmeric, also known as the Indian Saffron forms a major spice crop for smallholder spice farmers producing 85% of these spices. The overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has affected not only the soil health, but also the health of farmers, and nearby water resources adversely. Identifying the farmer groups in Tamil Nadu, we are now training them to cultivate Turmeric in an organic and sustainable manner, to replenish the environment as well as enhance their livelihood.

Sustainable agriculture practices are supported under the ‘Enhancement of Smallholder Spice Farmers’ Capacities in Sustainable Farming’ project in six Indian states - Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. The project is part of the develoPPP.de Programme implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The lead partners for this project are AVT McCormick and McCormick Switzerland.