Board to Focus on ‘Golden Spice’ for Farmers’ Welfare, Develop Superior Varieties, and Boost Exports: Piyush Goyal
Immense Potential to Increase Turmeric Productivity in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Union Minister Piyush Goyal
New Delhi, January 14, 2025
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the National Turmeric Board on Tuesday in New Delhi. He announced Palle Ganga Reddy as the board’s first chairman. The board’s headquarters has been established in Nizamabad, Telangana. Goyal highlighted that the launch of the National Turmeric Board is happening on an auspicious day across the country. He mentioned that representatives from various ministries, exporters, and producer organizations would also be part of the board.
Union Minister Goyal stated that turmeric, also known as the ‘Golden Spice,’ is a focus of the newly formed board, which will prioritize the welfare of turmeric farmers in 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya. He emphasized the immense potential for increasing turmeric production in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and noted that the formation of the board would enhance the income of turmeric producers across the country.
The minister added that the board would promote research and development of new turmeric products and enhance the quality of turmeric-based products for international markets.
He further stated that the board would focus on raising awareness about turmeric’s essential and medicinal properties, increasing yield, and promoting trade in new markets by improving storage and supply chain measures. Goyal highlighted that the board would also ensure quality and safety standards for turmeric production and exports.
In 2023-24, turmeric cultivation in India spanned 305,000 hectares, producing 1.074 million tons of turmeric. Globally, India accounts for over 70% of turmeric production. India produces 30 varieties of turmeric.
The inauguration of the National Turmeric Board was attended by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Nizamabad MP Arvind Dharmapuri.
Key Highlights:
Top Turmeric-Producing States
The board includes representatives from Maharashtra and Telangana, the two leading turmeric-producing states, as well as Meghalaya, known for its Lakadong turmeric.
Objective of the National Turmeric Board
The National Turmeric Board will focus on the holistic development and growth of the turmeric sector in the country. It will lead efforts related to turmeric production, coordinate with other government departments and agencies on turmeric-related matters, and facilitate growth and development in the turmeric sector.
The board will also emphasize utilizing the vast potential for trade in turmeric and its products, particularly focusing on their health and medicinal benefits.
India’s Turmeric Export and Global Trade Share
India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric, holding a 62% share in global trade. During 2023-24, India exported 162,000 tons of turmeric and turmeric products worth $226.5 million.
