Harvesting and Seed preservation Turmeric

Harvesting and Seed preservation Turmeric

Harvesting: The maturity of the crops is indicated by complete drying up of the plant

including the base of stems. Depending upon the variety, the crop becomes ready for

harvest in 7-10 months after planting. Early varieties mature in 7-8 months, medium

varieties in 8-9 months and late varieties in 9-10 months.

The land is ploughed and rhizomes are gathered by hand picking or the clumps are

carefully lifted with the spade. The land may be irrigated (if needed) 6-7 days before

harvest. The harvested rhizomes are cleaned and other extraneous materials adhering

to them are removed.

Preservation: Rhizomes for seed production are generally stored by heaping in well

ventilated rooms and covered with turmeric leaves. The seed rhizomes can also be

stored in pits and covered with soil or sand or saw dust.