🌿 Agriculture & Exports | National Turmeric Board Launched

🌟 “Golden Spice” Gets Dedicated Push from Centre

On 14 January 2025, Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in New Delhi, with its headquarters in Nizamabad, Telangana — a major turmeric belt of India. This marks a landmark step for turmeric farmers, exporters, and India’s agricultural economy.

🎯 Objectives of the Board

• 👨‍🌾 Enhance welfare of turmeric farmers across 20+ states
• 📈 Improve productivity and quality standards
• 🧪 Promote R&D, value addition, and innovation
• 🌍 Facilitate exports and international trade
• 📣 Create awareness of turmeric’s health benefits and global potential

👥 Board Composition

• 🪑 Chairperson: Shri Palle Ganga Reddy
• 🎤 Representatives from:
  • Central ministries (Commerce, Agriculture, AYUSH, etc.)
  • Exporter bodies and farmer organisations
  • Rotating representation from states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya

🇮🇳 Turmeric in India: The Numbers

• 🌾 Area (2023–24): 3.05 lakh hectares
• 📦 Production: 10.74 lakh tonnes
• 🌐 India’s Global Share:
  • Production: >70%
  • Trade: ~62%
• 🧬 30+ distinct varieties, including:
  • Lakadong Turmeric (Meghalaya) – high curcumin content
  • Varietal diversity catering to medicinal, cosmetic, and culinary needs

🌐 Boosting Trade and Exports

• 📦 FY 2023–24 Exports:
  • Volume: 1.62 lakh tonnes
  • Value: USD 226.5 million
• 🎯 Focus on:
  • Opening new global markets
  • Strengthening branding and packaging
  • Ensuring quality certification and safety compliance

🔬 R&D & Innovation

• Collaboration with:
  • Agricultural research bodies
  • Ayurvedic and nutraceutical industries
  • Tech startups in food processing and value chain
• Exploring new product lines:
  • Functional foods
  • Herbal remedies
  • Organic and wellness products

🏷️ Quick Facts

• 🌼 Turmeric is called “Golden Spice”
• 🟡 Lakadong turmeric is native to Meghalaya, known for highest curcumin content
• 📍 India holds a 62% share in global turmeric trade
• 📢 Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar is Union MoS for Home Affairs (from Nizamabad region)
• 🧪 The board will oversee quality & export safety protocols

🔭 Looking Ahead

🧿 The National Turmeric Board is not just about trade—it’s about honouring the heritage, wellness, and livelihood embedded in every rhizome.

With structured planning and global outreach, the Board will elevate India’s turmeric sector into a value-driven, health-oriented global brand.