The performance of turmeric was examined in terms of area, production and productivity In important states of south India viz. Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kamataka and Kerala. These states contributed around 80 per cent of turmeric produced In India. Secondary data was used for the study, considering the period from 1979-80 to 1998-99. Exponential form of growth function was used for the analysis. All the states registered significant growth in area, production and productivity except area in case of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, production in Tamil Nadu and productivity in Kamataka. Evolving location specific varieties, adoptation of modern cultural practices and intensive cultivation were some of the suggestions for enhancing productivity of turmeric.