• Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal launched the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad district of Telangana on January 14.

• The National Turmeric Board will help develop new markets internationally to promote exports and double production to about 20 lakh tonnes in the next five years, Goyal said.

• Turmeric is also known as ‘Golden Spice’.

Turmeric production in India

• India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world. India accounts for 70 per cent of global turmeric production.

• In the year 2022-23, an area of 3.24 lakh hectares was under turmeric cultivation in India with a production of 11.61 lakh tonnes.

• More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown in India and it is grown in over 20 states in the country.

• The largest producing states of turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

• India has more than 62 per cent share of world trade in turmeric.

• During 2022-23, 1.534 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at $207.45 million were exported by more than 380 exporters.

• During 2023-24, 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at $226.5 million were exported.

• The leading export markets for Indian turmeric are Bangladesh, UAE, the US and Malaysia.

• The government notified the constitution of the National Turmeric Board on October 4, 2023. 

What is the purpose of National Turmeric Board?

• The National Turmeric Board will focus on the development and growth of turmeric and turmeric products in the country.

• The Board will pay special attention to the welfare of the turmeric farmers spread across 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya and others. 

• It will promote research and development of new turmeric products, and will look into the value addition of turmeric related products for marketing abroad. 

• The Board will also look into creating awareness on the essential and medical properties of turmeric, ways to increase its yield and boost logistics and supply chain to foster trade into newer markets.

• The Board will also ensure quality and safety standards of turmeric production and exports.

• It will provide leadership, augment efforts and facilitate coordination with other government departments/agencies in matters pertaining to the turmeric sector and facilitate growth and development of the turmeric sector in the country.

• It will help bring focus to efforts of tapping the vast potential that exists for increasing trade of turmeric and its products, especially in view of the health and wellness benefits of turmeric.

• Palle Ganga Reddy has been nominated as the Board’s first chairperson and its headquarters has been set up at Nizamabad, Telangana.

• In addition to the chairperson of the Board, representatives of the Ministry of AYUSH, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Department of Commerce have also been nominated.

• Representatives from the top two turmeric-growing states — Maharashtra and Telangana — and from Meghalaya, which is famous for its Lakadong turmeric, will also be part of the Board.

• With the focused activities of the Board, it is expected that turmeric exports will reach $1 billion by 2030.

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