New Delhi: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the National Turmeric Board here Tuesday. Palle Ganga Reddy was named the board’s first chairman. The board’s headquarters is in Nizamabad.
Goyal said the board will focus on boosting the country’s turmeric sector, which is known as “Golden Spice”. He said the board will pay special attention to the welfare of turmeric farmers in 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Meghalaya, said the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
The board will promote research and development of new turmeric products and explore ways to add value to turmeric-related products for marketing abroad. It will also raise awareness about turmeric’s health and wellness benefits, explore ways to increase its yield and boost logistics and supply chains to foster trade in new markets.
Goyal said the board will ensure quality and safety standards for turmeric production and exports. He said India produced 10.74 lakh tonnes of turmeric from 3.05 lakh hectares in 2023-24. India accounts for more than 70 percent of global turmeric production, he said. India produces 30 varieties of turmeric.
The board will include representatives from the ministries of AYUSH, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Commerce. Representatives from the top two turmeric-producing states, Maharashtra and Telangana, and from Meghalaya, which is known for its Lakadong turmeric, will also be on the board.
The board will provide leadership, augment efforts and facilitate coordination with other government departments and agencies in matters pertaining to the turmeric sector. Focusing efforts on expanding turmeric trade and its products will capitalize on its health benefits.
India is the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric. India’s global trade share exceeds 62 percent. In 2023-24, India exported 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at $226.5 million.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Arvind Dharmapuri, a member of Parliament from Nizamabad, also attended the inauguration.