The Government has notified the constitution of the National Turmeric Board which will focus on the development and growth of turmeric and turmeric products in the country.
- The National Turmeric Board will be devoted to promoting the growth and development of turmeric and its products throughout the country.
- The Board’s task is to offer leadership in turmeric-related subjects, enhance existing efforts, and ensure effective collaboration with the Spices Board and other government bodies to foster the turmeric industry’s rise.
- The Board’s mission includes raising awareness and consumption of turmeric and exploring new markets worldwide to boost exportation.
- The National Turmeric Board’s leadership will be composed of a Chairperson chosen by the Central Government, members from various ministries and departments, representatives from three rotating states, national/state institutions involved in research, turmeric farmers and exporters, and a Secretary appointed by the Department of Commerce.
- The formation of this Board fulfils a longstanding demand from the farmers of Telangana.
Indian Turmeric: Production, Consumption, And Export
- India stands as the world’s top turmeric producer, consumer, and exporter.
- During the 2022-23 period, turmeric was cultivated on an expansive area of 3.24 lakh ha in India.
- This cultivation resulted in a massive production of 11.61 lakh tonnes, accounting for over 75% of the global turmeric production.
- Indian farmers grow more than 30 different turmeric varieties spread across 20+ states.
- The states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu lead in turmeric production.
- India’s dominance in the global turmeric trade is evident, holding more than 62% share.
- During 2022-23, exports of turmeric and its products reached 1.534 lakh tonnes, valued at USD 207.45 million.
- Over 380 exporters are engaged in the turmeric trade, and their main markets include Bangladesh, UAE, USA, and Malaysia.
- With strategic efforts, it’s projected that turmeric exports could hit the USD 1 billion mark by 2030.
Key Goals And Activities Of The National Turmeric Board
- The National Turmeric Board aims to utilise the growing global interest in the health and wellness benefits of turmeric. This includes promoting awareness about its benefits and boosting its consumption.
- The board plans to expand turmeric markets at the international level to enhance export rates.
- It aims to foster research and product development based on traditional knowledge, which will result in value-added turmeric products.
- A special focus will be given to capacity building and skill enhancement of turmeric growers. This will ensure they reap the maximum benefits from value addition.
- The board is dedicated to promoting quality and food safety standards. Ensuring adherence to these standards is also a priority.
- Steps will be taken to safeguard and exploit the full potential of turmeric for the benefit of humanity.
- The board’s activities will directly contribute to the well-being and prosperity of turmeric growers. This will be achieved through targeted attention to the sector and increased value addition closer to the farms.
- This approach not only promises better return on investment for the growers but also maintains the high-quality reputation of our turmeric and turmeric products in the global markets.