Union Minister Piyush Goyal Inaugurates National Turmeric Board

New Delhi: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, today inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in the capital, marking a significant step toward bolstering India’s position as the global leader in turmeric production and trade. The Board’s headquarters have been established in Nizamabad, Telangana, with Palle Ganga Reddy appointed as its first Chairperson.

Goyal emphasized that the creation of the National Turmeric Board is a milestone for the welfare of turmeric farmers across 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya. Highlighting turmeric’s status as the “Golden Spice,” the Minister underscored the immense potential for increasing production, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and the Board’s role in enhancing the incomes of turmeric producers nationwide.

The Board will also facilitate research and development of turmeric-based products, value addition for export markets, and the promotion of turmeric’s essential and medicinal properties. Additionally, it will work to ensure quality and safety standards for turmeric production and exports while streamlining logistics and supply chains to expand global trade.

With India responsible for over 70% of the global turmeric production, Goyal noted that in the 2023-24 period, turmeric cultivation covered 3.05 lakh hectares, yielding 10.74 lakh tonnes. India produced 30 varieties of turmeric, with a significant 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products exported, valued at $226.5 million USD.

“India is not only the largest producer and consumer of turmeric but also commands a 62% share of the world trade,” Goyal remarked. “The National Turmeric Board will help strengthen India’s dominant position in the global market.”

The Board will feature representatives from multiple ministries, including AYUSH, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Commerce, as well as members from exporters’ and producers’ bodies. States will be represented on the Board by rotation, with key members from Maharashtra, Telangana, and Meghalaya—renowned for its Lakadong Turmeric—actively participating.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Nizamabad MP Arvind Dharmapuri also graced the event, reflecting the widespread support for the initiative.

The National Turmeric Board aims to coordinate efforts across government departments, promote innovation in turmeric production, and boost its trade potential, particularly in health and wellness markets. It will also focus on increasing yield, raising awareness about turmeric’s benefits, and fostering economic growth in turmeric-producing regions.

With the establishment of the National Turmeric Board, India is poised to further solidify its leadership in the turmeric sector, leveraging the spice’s global demand for its medicinal, culinary, and wellness properties. This initiative is expected to provide a significant boost to the livelihoods of turmeric farmers while opening new avenues for international trade and development.