National Turmeric Board of India Launched to Boost Quality and Exports
Union Minister for Commerce and Industries, Piyush Goyal, launched the National Turmeric Board of India on Tuesday, aimed at enhancing the value chain, quality, and export potential of turmeric. The board’s creation marks a significant step toward addressing the challenges faced by turmeric farmers and improving the overall production process.
Goyal highlighted the board’s key objectives, including the development of new turmeric varieties, adding value through processing for export, raising awareness about turmeric’s health benefits, and conducting market research. The board will also support farmers in increasing the quality and yield of their crops.
Headquartered in Nizamabad, Telangana, the National Turmeric Board will not only focus on improving agricultural practices but will also encourage the industrial use of turmeric, including its medicinal applications. This initiative is seen as a long-awaited solution to the needs of turmeric farmers in key production states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, who have long advocated for specialized research and development to strengthen the value chain.
The National Turmeric Board aims to benefit farmers across 20 states, ensuring that turmeric cultivation in India continues to grow. India currently leads global production, with an estimated 3.24 lakh hectares dedicated to turmeric farming and a yield of 11.61 lakh tonnes, accounting for about 75% of the world’s total turmeric production.
With the launch of this board, the government aims to further cement India’s position as a global leader in turmeric, while also improving the livelihoods of farmers and boosting exports. This initiative is expected to open new markets and drive growth in the turmeric industry, both domestically and internationally.
