UPSC Prelims 2025 Q24: Indian Economy – Agriculture & Rural Development
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
Answer: (d) I, II and III
Explanation
India and Turmeric — Key Facts
| Statement | Claim | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| I | India = largest producer and exporter of turmeric | TRUE - India produces ~80% of world's turmeric and exports ~60% |
| II | Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu are major producers | TRUE - these four states together account for the majority of Indian production |
| III | India grows more than 30 varieties of turmeric | TRUE - 30+ varieties including Alleppey Finger, Erode, Salem, Rajapore, Sangli |
All three statements are correct.
Answer: (d) I, II and III.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Only one statement is too few — all three are correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Two is not enough — all three statements are factually accurate.
- (c) Incorrect. All three cannot be selected with this option — the question asks how many are correct and all three are.
- (d) CORRECT. All three statements are correct. India dominates global turmeric production (~80% share), the four listed states are the major producers, and India cultivates 30+ varieties of turmeric.
Key point
India = world's largest turmeric producer (~80%) and exporter. Top states: Maharashtra + Telangana + Karnataka + Tamil Nadu. 30+ varieties.
Remember
India = world's largest turmeric producer + exporter. 30+ varieties. Top states: Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.
Common mistakes
- Underestimating India's dominance in turmeric — India is not just a large producer but produces ~80% of global supply, making it the undisputed world leader.
- Not knowing all four states (Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu) are correct — sometimes students assume only one or two are major producers.
- Forgetting that India has 30+ distinct turmeric varieties — Alleppey (Kerala), Erode/Salem (Tamil Nadu), Rajapore (Maharashtra) are famous commercial varieties.
Exam tip
Turmeric = India dominates. If a UPSC question asks about turmeric production/export, India = #1 is almost always the answer. The four states form the "turmeric belt" of south and central India.
Sources
- Economic Survey - Agriculture Sector
- NCERT Class 10 Geography - Contemporary India II