Published on 16 Oct 2025
The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, has developed a new light-coloured turmeric variety specifically for the masala industry.
The new variety, IISR Surya, features a light-coloured rhizome (underground plant stem that grows horizontally) that meets the specific needs of the modern powdering industry.
The new variety with a pleasant aroma is a high-yielding one which offers a 20% to 30% yield increase compared to that of the existing light-coloured local varieties.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is native to South Asia, particularly India.
India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world with more than 30 varieties of turmeric grown in India and it is grown in over 20 states in the country.
The largest producing states of turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
India has more than 62 per cent share of world trade in turmeric.
In 2023, Central government established a National Turmeric Board and plans to double turmeric production to 2 million by 2030
IISR Surya
Indian Institute of Spices Research
IISR
turmeric
National Turmeric Board
Spices
Telangana