Growth and Productivity Analysis of Turmeric Cultivation in Chamarajanagar District: Implications for Agribusiness Development

Abstract

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), often described as the 'golden spice', occupies a prominent place among the commercial spice crops of Karnataka, and Chamarajanagar district is one of its principal producing regions. The present study analyses the growth, instability, and determinants of turmeric production in Chamarajanagar district using secondary data on area, production, and yield for the twelve-year period from 2011-12 to 2022-23, and examines the challenges faced by turmeric agribusiness entrepreneurs through a field survey of 160 respondents comprising farmers, processors, traders, and value-addition entrepreneurs. Compound growth rates were estimated through log-linear (exponential) trend functions, instability was measured using the coefficient of variation and the Cuddy-Della Valle Instability Index, and the relative contribution of area and yield to production was assessed through correlation and multiple regression analysis. Constraints were prioritised using Garrett's Ranking Technique. The results reveal that area, production, and yield registered positive but statistically non-significant compound growth rates of 1.57 per cent, 2.36 per cent, and 0.77 per cent per annum respectively, accompanied by high instability (Cuddy-Della Valle Index of 27.07 for area and 28.47 for production). Regression analysis confirmed that production growth in the district is predominantly area-driven (R² = 0.993; F = 631.55, p < 0.001), indicating limited technological progress in productivity. Garrett ranking identified shortage of skilled labour and high wage rates (mean score 82.46), price fluctuation (79.85), and high input costs (76.92) as the most severe constraints. The study suggests mechanisation, establishment of local processing and value-addition units, strengthening of institutional credit, and market infrastructure development as priority interventions for agribusiness development in the district.