In a move to enhance the production and export of turmeric, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Palle Ganga Reddy was appointed as the first Chairperson of the Board, which will be headquartered in Nizamabad, according to a press release from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
The Board will focus on key areas such as research and development, value addition to turmeric products, and promoting awareness of the spice’s medicinal and essential properties. It will also work on improving turmeric yield, enhancing logistics and supply chains, and exploring new international markets for turmeric.
Ensuring quality and safety standards for turmeric production and exports will also be a critical aspect of the Board’s mandate.
Goyal emphasized that the Board will include representatives from various ministries, exporters, and producers’ bodies to ensure a comprehensive approach to the growth of the turmeric industry.
Turmeric, often referred to as the “Golden Spice,” holds immense economic potential for Indian farmers, particularly those in 20 states including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
Goyal noted that the Board would focus on boosting turmeric production in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which would help increase farmers’ incomes.
India is responsible for over 70% of the world’s turmeric production, with 30 varieties of turmeric being grown in the country.
In 2023-24, turmeric cultivation covered an area of 3.05 lakh hectares in India, with a yield of 10.74 lakh tonnes.
Goyal highlighted that India holds a 62% share in the global turmeric trade, exporting 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric valued at $226.5 million in 2023-24.
The launch event was attended by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Nizamabad MP Arvind Dharmapuri.
DDnews