Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched the National Turmeric Board on Tuesday, fulfilling farmers' 40 year-long wish for a separate structure and impetus for the growth of the golden spice in India.
The headquarters of the NTB has been set up in Nizamabad in Telangana, a region known for its turmeric production. Palle Ganga Reddy has been appointed as its first chairperson, while representatives from exporters, producers bodies, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Department of Commerce will also be added to the board.
The objectives of the board will be to look after the welfare of turmeric farmers spread across 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Meghalaya. The board will also look after new research and development, production techniques, value addition, furthering awareness of benefits, marketing and export, logistics and supply-chain issues pertaining to the spice.
"A few years ago, we focussed on cardamom in the same manner and its production saw an uptick. We hope to replicate that with turmeric," Goyal said.
On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, I am immensely pleased to have inaugurated the National Turmeric Board.
We are looking to boost production to leverage the increasing popularity of turmeric globally as a kitchen essential and wellness product.
Our aim is to… pic.twitter.com/4B1V94zORnJanuary 14, 2025AdvertisementIndia is the world's leading producer of turmeric, with over 70% of the world's supply coming from the country. There are 30 varieties of turmeric produced and India has an area of 3.05 lakh hectares under turmeric cultivation.
India is also the largest consumer and exporter of turmeric, with more than 62% share of world trade. During 2023–24, 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at $226.5 million were exported.
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