Union Minister Piyush Goyal Inaugurates National Turmeric Board
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad on Tuesday, a significant step towards strengthening India’s leadership in turmeric production and exports. This initiative aims to boost value addition, enhance quality, and broaden market opportunities for India’s renowned “Golden Spice.”
The Minister emphasized the significance of launching the National Turmeric Board on a day of national celebrations. He also mentioned that the board will include representatives from various ministries and members from exporter and producer organizations.
Referring to turmeric as the “Golden Spice,” the Minister highlighted that the newly established National Turmeric Board will prioritize the well-being of turmeric farmers across 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, and others. He emphasized the significant potential for increasing turmeric production in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, noting that the board’s formation will help enhance the income of turmeric growers nationwide.
The Minister further stated that the Board will focus on research and development of innovative turmeric-based products and explore value addition for marketing these products internationally. Additionally, it will work to raise awareness about turmeric’s essential and medicinal properties, improve yield, and strengthen logistics and supply chains to expand into new markets. Shri Goyal also underlined that the Board will ensure adherence to quality and safety standards for turmeric production and exports.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Shri Arvind Dharmapuri, Member of Parliament from Nizamabad, attended the event.
The occasion also saw the participation of Shri Palle Ganga Reddy, Chairperson of the National Turmeric Board; Shri Dhanpal Suryanarayana, MLA for Nizamabad Urban; Shri Paidi Rakesh Reddy, MLA for Armor; and key officials including Smt. Kesang Yangzom Sherpa, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Ms. P. Hemalatha, Secretary of the Spices Board; and Dr. A. B. Rema Shree, Director of the Spices Board and Secretary of the National Turmeric Board.
Alongside the Chairperson, representatives from the Ministry of AYUSH, the Department of Pharmaceuticals, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and the Department of Commerce have been appointed to the Board. Members from the leading turmeric-growing states of Maharashtra, Telangana, and Meghalaya, known for its Lakadong turmeric, will also contribute. The National Turmeric Board is dedicated to fostering the comprehensive development and growth of the turmeric sector in India.
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The National Turmeric Board will be pivotal in providing leadership, enhancing initiatives, and fostering collaboration with other government departments and agencies to support the turmeric sector. Its focus will be on driving the growth and development of the turmeric industry in India while maximizing its trade potential, particularly in light of turmeric’s health and wellness benefits.
India’s Dominance in the Global Turmeric Market
In 2023-24, turmeric was cultivated across 3.05 lakh hectares in India, yielding a production of 10.74 lakh metric tons. India accounted for over 70% of global turmeric production, with 30 distinct varieties grown domestically. The country stands as the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric, commanding 62% of the global turmeric trade. During 2023-24, India exported 1.62 lakh metric tons of turmeric and turmeric-based products, valued at USD 226.5 million.
