Erode, which used to produce nearly 40% of India’s total turmeric output a decade back, is gradually transforming itself into a maize hub as declining water availability in Tamil Nadu has compelled farmers to dump the spice crop. Located on the banks of the Cauvery, Erode was the hub for the production and trading of the bulb-variety of turmeric, largely used in processed spices. But two straight droughts since 2016 had hit turmeric farmers, who were also lured by growing demand for maize crop from booming poultry sector around the district. In 2017-18, the district’s share in the country’s turmeric production had fallen to just 3%. The output of turmeric in Erode is seen declining 57% to 15,600 tn in 2017-18 (Jul-Jun)