📘 IAS Prelims 2025 — GS-I Q.24 | Classroom Explanation

📌 Question

Q.24) Consider the following statements about turmeric during the year 2022–23:

Statement I: India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world.
Statement II: More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown in India.
Statement III: Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are major turmeric producing States in India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) I, II and III

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✅ Correct Answer: (d)

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🧑‍🏫 Classroom Explanation

This question tests agricultural geography combined with current affairs, especially spice production and India’s dominance in global agri-commodities, a recurring UPSC theme.

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🔍 Key Concept: Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

• A rhizomatous crop belonging to the ginger family
• Requires:

• Warm and humid climate
• Well-drained loamy soils
  • Used as:
• Spice
• Dye
• Medicinal and cosmetic raw material

India enjoys both agro-climatic diversity and traditional cultivation knowledge, giving it global leadership.

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🔍 Statement-wise Analysis

✅ Statement I: Correct

• India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric globally
• Accounts for over 60% of world turmeric production and exports
• Major export destinations include:

• USA
• Bangladesh
• UAE
• Iran
• Sri Lanka

➡️ Hence, Statement I is correct.

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✅ Statement II: Correct

• India has rich varietal diversity in turmeric
• More than 30 recognized varieties are grown across the country
• Cultivation spread across 20+ states, reflecting wide adaptability

➡️ Hence, Statement II is correct.

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✅ Statement III: Correct

• Major turmeric-producing states include:

• Maharashtra
• Telangana
• Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu

• Telangana’s Nizamabad region is especially famous for turmeric cultivation
• These states benefit from:

• Suitable climate
• Irrigation facilities
• Traditional farming practices

➡️ Hence, Statement III is correct.

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🧮 Logical Elimination (UPSC Style)

• Statement I → True
• Statement II → True
• Statement III → True

➡️ All statements are correct.

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🎯 Final Answer

✅ Correct Answer: (d) I, II and III

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🔗 Bridge Points (Future Questions)

• GI-tagged turmeric varieties (e.g., Erode Turmeric)
• India’s role in global spice trade
• Turmeric in Ayush and pharmaceutical sectors
• Export-linked agricultural policies

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📍 GS Mapping

GS Paper I
Subject: Geography (Agriculture)
Theme: Cropping Patterns & Agro-based Industries
Nature: Static + Current Affairs

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