Experts Conduct Field Study for Geographical Indication Tag of Armur Turmeric
Nizamabad,June 5, 2025: The globally renowned Armur turmeric is progressing steadily towards securing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. As part of the GI study process, a team of experts led by Dr. Pidigam Saidaiah, Principal Researcher at Telangana Horticultural University, conducted a comprehensive field visit across Jakranpalli, Nandipet, and Armur mandals in Nizamabad district.
The study team included Dr. B. Mahender, Head of the Turmeric Research Station, Kammarapalli, Praveen, District Development Officer, NABARD–Nizamabad, along with local farmers. During the visit, the team inspected turmeric fields in various villages, gathering detailed data on turmeric varieties cultivated by farmers, their unique characteristics, soil types, farming techniques, seed treatment methods, sowing practices, fertilizer usage, irrigation systems, tools, and machinery employed in cultivation.
The team also visited the Agricultural Market Committee (AMC) in Nizamabad to study the characteristics of turmeric varieties arriving in the market, pricing trends, and the range of turmeric-based products sold.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Pidigam Saidaiah said that over 80% of turmeric cultivated in Nizamabad district belongs to the “Erra Guntur” variety, which is highly preferred by farmers for its superior yield, vibrant color, excellent quality, and high dry recovery percentage. He noted that this variety enjoys strong export demand across the globe. He further stated that most of the necessary data for filing the GI application for Armur turmeric has been compiled and that the application will soon be submitted in Chennai.
Dr. Saidaiah praised local farmers for adopting advanced machinery and modern irrigation practices, setting a benchmark for turmeric cultivation in India.
Dr. B. Mahender added that farmers in the region are cultivating turmeric in both black cotton soils and red soils enriched with tank silt, which support high productivity.
The Secretary of the Agricultural Market Committee, Nizamabad, informed that turmeric begins arriving in the market from December and continues until the end of May, with the peak season observed in February, March, and April when lakhs of quintals are traded.
