Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the National Turmeric Board on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, marking a historic milestone for turmeric farmers across the nation. The board’s headquarters have been set up in Nizamabad, Telangana, a region known for its turmeric production. Shri Goyal announced Palle Ganga Reddy as the Board’s first Chairperson and highlighted the Board’s potential to revolutionise the turmeric sector.
National Turmeric Board से देश-विदेश में बजेगा भारतीय हल्दी का डंका… pic.twitter.com/yK9H7Y7xW1
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) January 14, 2025
The Union Minister outlined the Board’s objectives, including welfare programmes for turmeric farmers, research and development of high-yield turmeric varieties, value addition, and boosting exports. He noted that India accounts for over 70 per cent of global turmeric production, with 30 varieties cultivated across the country.
In 2023-24, India had 3.05 lakh hectares under turmeric cultivation, producing 10.74 lakh tonnes. The country exported 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric products worth $226.5 million, solidifying its position as the global leader in turmeric trade. Bharat is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world and has more than 62 per cent share of world trade. This is the first commodity board to be notified under the Ministry of Commerce since 1987.
Adding that turmeric is also known as ‘Golden Spice’, the minister pointed out that the newly formed Board will pay special attention to the welfare of the turmeric farmers spread across 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya and others. He said that there is immense potential in increasing turmeric production in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and formation of the Turmeric Board will boost income of turmeric producers in the country.
The Minister noted that the new Board will promote research and development of new turmeric products, and will look into the value addition of turmeric related products for marketing abroad. The Board will also look into creating awareness on the essential and medical properties of turmeric, ways to increase its yield and boost logistics and supply chain to foster trade into newer markets, he said.
The National Turmeric Board will include representatives from ministries such as AYUSH, Agriculture, and Commerce, as well as exporter and producer bodies. It aims to create a robust supply chain, promote awareness of turmeric’s medicinal properties, and ensure quality standards for exports.
Representatives from the top two turmeric growing states of Maharashtra and Telangana and from the state of Meghalaya, which is famous for its Lakadong Turmeric, will also be part of the Board. States will be represented on the Board by rotation. The National Turmeric Board will focus on the overall development and growth of the turmeric sector in the country.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar and MP Arvind Dharmapuri were present at the event, underscoring its significance.
Historic moment for Nizamabad and turmeric farmers!
The National Turmeric Board is now a reality, fulfilling a long-standing dream under Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s visionary leadership.
Virtually participated in the inaugural ceremony of the Turmeric Board addressed by… pic.twitter.com/DtKHKHwyhN
— Bandi Sanjay Kumar (@bandisanjay_bjp) January 14, 2025
Arvind Dharmapuri, MP for Nizamabad, tweeted: “The establishment of the National Turmeric Board is a long-overdue promise finally fulfilled. Farmers of Nizamabad, Telangana, and across India can now reap the benefits of focused efforts for turmeric’s growth and exports.”
The establishment of the National Turmeric Board is poised to revolutionise the turmeric sector by ensuring better prices for farmers through a more structured and efficient market. It will facilitate the setting up of turmeric processing and manufacturing units, while focusing on improving turmeric varieties, enhancing yields, and ensuring better quality through dedicated research and technological advancements. The promotion of turmeric exports will open global markets, while efforts to reduce logistical challenges such as storage, transportation, and marketing will streamline the supply chain.
To the unversed, functions of National Turmeric board 👇
. Ensures better prices for turmeric by creating a more structured and efficient market, benefiting farmers directly.
. Setting up of Turmeric processing units and manufacturing units.
. Focus on improving turmeric…— Arvind Dharmapuri (@Arvindharmapuri) January 14, 2025
Special emphasis will be placed on curbing imports and increasing domestic utilisation of turmeric in industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and wellness. The initiative is expected to create employment opportunities in processing, packaging, and marketing, thereby contributing significantly to the local economy. Additionally, farmers will receive organised support through buyer-seller meets, market intelligence, and financial assistance programs. By strengthening India’s position as a global leader in turmeric production and trade, the Board will elevate the status of turmeric farmers on the international stage.
Over the last decade, the average price for Nizamabad turmeric hovered around ₹6,000 per quintal. However, in 2024, the price touched an all-time high of Rs 18,000 per quintal, a trend that continues this season.
The launch of the National Turmeric Board signifies the culmination of a decades-long political struggle, often marked by heated debates and allegations. For over ten years, the issue of establishing the Board was a political battleground in Telangana, with the BRS (Bharatiya Rashtra Samiti) and Congress trading accusations against BJP.
