Authors : Dr. Annu Tiwari; Dr. Lalita Mishra

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 11 - November

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3krsnm2d

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25nov1152

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Abstract : Turmeric remains one of India’s most important spice crops, valued for its culinary uses, medicinal compounds, and export potential. Despite its significance, farmers still rely on traditional planting material and planting geometry, often without understanding how these decisions affect growth, yield, and profitability. The present study examines the impact of varying rhizome sizes and planting geometries on vegetative development, yield components, curcumin content, and economic returns in turmeric under field conditions. Three seed-rhizome sizes (15–20 g, 30–35 g, and 45–50 g) and three planting geometries (30 × 30 cm, 45 × 30 cm, and 60 × 30 cm) were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. Growth parameters such as sprouting percentage, plant height, tiller count, and leaf area index were recorded periodically. Yield attributes including total fresh rhizome weight, mother and finger rhizome proportions, dry matter recovery, and curcumin content were measured at harvest. An economic analysis was conducted to understand net income and benefit–cost ratio across treatments. The results showed that large rhizomes achieved higher initial vigor and produced heavier clumps, but medium-sized rhizomes offered the most balanced performance and highest profitability due to lower planting material cost. Moderate spacing at 45 × 30 cm consistently produced optimal plant growth and maximum yield per hectare. The combined effect of medium rhizome size and 45 × 30 cm spacing resulted in the highest economic return. The study concludes that optimizing rhizome size and planting geometry is necessary for enhancing turmeric productivity while ensuring financial sustainability for farmers.

Keywords : Turmeric, Rhizome Size, Planting Geometry, Curcumin, Growth Response, Yield Components, Economics, Field Evaluation.

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