NEW DELHI: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the National Turmeric Board today in New Delhi. The initiative aims to boost India’s turmeric sector. Palle Ganga Reddy was announced as the first Chairperson of the Board, which will have its headquarters in Nizamabad, Telangana. Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Goyal described turmeric as the “Golden Spice” and emphasized the Board’s mission to improve the welfare of turmeric farmers across 20 states, including major producers such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya. He noted the substantial potential for increased turmeric production, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and expressed optimism that the Board would significantly enhance farmers’ incomes. The Board will prioritize research and development of turmeric products, value addition, and global marketing efforts. It will also work to raise awareness about turmeric’s medicinal and health benefits, ensure quality standards for production and exports, and enhance logistics and supply chain capabilities. Goyal shared data underscoring India’s leadership in the global turmeric market. In 2023-24, India cultivated turmeric on 3.05 lakh hectares, producing 10.74 lakh tonnes, and accounted for over 70% of global production. The country also exported 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric and related products
Read MoreNEW DELHI: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the National Turmeric Board today in New Delhi. The initiative aims to boost India’s turmeric sector. Palle Ganga Reddy was announced as the first Chairperson of the Board, which will have its headquarters in Nizamabad, Telangana.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Goyal described turmeric as the “Golden Spice” and emphasized the Board’s mission to improve the welfare of turmeric farmers across 20 states, including major producers such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya. He noted the substantial potential for increased turmeric production, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and expressed optimism that the Board would significantly enhance farmers’ incomes.
The Board will prioritize research and development of turmeric products, value addition, and global marketing efforts. It will also work to raise awareness about turmeric’s medicinal and health benefits, ensure quality standards for production and exports, and enhance logistics and supply chain capabilities.
Goyal shared data underscoring India’s leadership in the global turmeric market. In 2023-24, India cultivated turmeric on 3.05 lakh hectares, producing 10.74 lakh tonnes, and accounted for over 70% of global production. The country also exported 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric and related products valued at USD 226.5 million.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Nizamabad MP Arvind Dharmapuri attended the event. The Board will include representatives from the Ministry of AYUSH, the Department of Pharmaceuticals, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and the Department of Commerce. Additionally, representatives from Maharashtra, Telangana, and Meghalaya renowned for its Lakadong turmeric will join the Board, with state representation rotating periodically.
“The National Turmeric Board will lead efforts to unlock the full potential of the turmeric sector,” Goyal said. “It will coordinate with government agencies and industry stakeholders to promote growth and expand India’s turmeric trade globally, with a particular emphasis on its health and wellness benefits.”
India remains the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric, accounting for more than 62% of global trade. The newly formed Board aims to consolidate India’s position as a global leader in turmeric production and exports while driving innovation and improving farmer prosperity