Famous for its extensive utilisation in Asian cuisine, turmeric powder is a golden yellow derivative of the turmeric plant. In an Asian kitchen, it finds itself not only as the main spice added to food but also as a natural food-colouring agent. Turmeric is the reason why food in this continent, especially the platters in countries like India, often has a yellow tinge to them. Besides its culinary usage, turmeric is used otherwise to apply on skin. The chemical curcumin that is contained in the spice is of importance for our body and often help us overcome conditions like inflammation.
The Top Turmeric Producing Countries
The production of turmeric requires certain favourable conditions that only some countries can provide. A tropical climate is necessary, to begin with. The turmeric plant can also grow in moderately warm and humid temperatures, hence giving some more regions a headstart in turmeric harvesting. However, the presence of moisture in the air is binding for the growth of these plants. Apart from the climate, the soil too plays an important role. The ideal type that is required for turmeric is loamy soil. It is also seen thriving well in sandy loamy types of soil.
All these conditions are more than met in the Indian Subcontinent. Hence, it is of no doubt that India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world. The South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh account for around 80% of the total production in India, earning the title of the largest turmeric suppliers in India. Needless to say, the demand for India spices in the international market is huge, given the conducive environmental conditions.
Other countries that are responsible for the production of turmeric are Pakistan, Jamaica, Peru, China, Taiwan, Haiti, and Thailand.
Benefits Of Turmeric
The benefits of turmeric are plenty due to their high nutritional content. The main component of turmeric is curcumin which has high medicinal value. The list of other advantages is given below.
- Curcumin helps overcome inflammation. Although inflammation is important in short bouts, being subjected to acute conditions of the same can be fatal. Turmeric is a natural substance that contains anti-inflammatory properties. Doctors are of the opinion that turmeric is as effective as some anti-inflammatory medicines that are available in the market. However, these medicines have side effects that turmeric is conveniently missing.
- Turmeric is responsible for increasing antioxidant capabilities. This helps to prevent early aging and the diseases associated with old age. Curcumin holds the credit in this case, too. It helps in neutralizing the free radicals that are noted to react with inorganic substances in our body, thus causing ill effects. Not only is curcumin obligatory to defend the body against oxidants, but it also strengthens and stimulates the natural antioxidant properties of the body.
- Curcumin, hence turmeric, reduces the risk of brain diseases. It helps the neurons in the brain multiply by stimulating the increase of the neurotrophic factor or BDNF, which is a hormone. This, in turn, reduces or reverses brain damage.
- Curcumin not only lowers brain damage, but it also works effectively to prevent heart diseases. Studies have found curcumin, hence turmeric, equivalent to the efficacy of exercising, in terms of endothelial functioning.
- Turmeric, with the power of curcumin, have been found to contain properties that can ward off cancer. Scientists are of the opinion that it may also be used to treat this lethal disease.
- Curcumin finds another use in treating the common Alzheimer's disease. The progress of patients suffering from this has been notable. Curcumin is said to improve the pathological processes of the same, thus causing the disease to retreat.
- Not only is turmeric a beneficial agent for the physical aspect of the body, but it also plays a significant role in the mental health of a person. It can easily fend off depression and works as an effective antidepressant.
- Turmeric is widely used as a skin applicant. It is said to work effectively on swelling and bruises that might be present on the skin.
How To Export Turmeric From India
The export of turmeric powder from India is an elaborate procedure, to say the least. Since the two governments are involved, the process is stringent and is bound by strict laws. The following documents are to be necessarily produced by the exporter.
- A commercial and a consular invoice
- A certificate stating the origin of the product.
- An authorized and attested inspection certificate
- The receipts of the warehouse and the dock.
- The license to export
- The certificate of insurance
- The statement of destination control
- A list containing the details of the package that is being exported.
Now comes the steps of exporting turmeric to another country. The list below contains the comprehensive steps.
- Inquiry or the consultation: Here, the officials check the data of the product that is being exported. The quantity of turmeric that is being sent is also noted. Sampling is done. A delivery schedule is presented by the exporter. The details of inspection are also taken care of in this period. The terms of payment are discussed between the exporting and importing parties.
- The generation of a Proforma invoice: Once the inquiries are done with and both parties are satisfied with the deal, the exporter sends the other a Proforma invoice.
- The placement of order: After the buyer agrees to take the deal forward, an order is placed with the exporter.
- Documentation period: The required documents are curated by the parties to ensure transparency.
- The removal of goods: There are different procedures and laws for the proper removal of the consignment from the warehouse or the area of its storage. Documentation is an important aspect of this step as laws of both countries are involved.
- Another set of documentation.
- The clearance certificate from Customs: This is provided after the consignment has been thoroughly checked and passed by the Customs.
- The negotiations of bills.
- Another set of documentation: This is done between banks of the exporter and the importer.
- Banks issue certificates: After the proper documentation done by the banks, they certify the receipt of the payment.
Final Words
Turmeric is one of the most essential spices in India. The underlying reasons are many. It is not only medicinal, but it also has an economic aspect to it. A lot of the country's economy is dependent on imports and exports. Being the largest producer of turmeric in the world adds to the wealth and reputation of the country, especially because of the qualities that it contains.