North News
New Delhi, January 14
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal today inaugurated the National Turmeric Board, marking the launch of a new initiative aimed at boosting India’s turmeric sector. Goyal announced Palle Ganga Reddy as the first Chairperson of the board, which will be headquartered in Nizamabad. The Minister emphasized the significance of the launch, coinciding with national celebrations, and outlined the board’s goal of supporting turmeric farmers across 20 Indian states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh. Goyal pointed out the potential for increased turmeric production, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and highlighted the board’s role in improving farmers’ incomes.
The National Turmeric Board will focus on research and development, the value addition of turmeric products for export, and raising awareness about the health benefits of turmeric. The board will also work to enhance logistics, supply chains, and trade to new international markets while ensuring quality standards for both production and exports. India, which produces over 70% of the world’s turmeric, had 3.05 lakh hectares under turmeric cultivation in the 2023-24 period, yielding 10.74 lakh tonnes. The country has 30 varieties of turmeric, and turmeric exports totaled 1.62 lakh tonnes, valued at $226.5 million USD last year. Representatives from ministries including AYUSH, Agriculture, and Commerce, along with top turmeric-producing states, will also be part of the board. The initiative aims to provide leadership, foster coordination, and promote the overall growth of the turmeric sector.
