Hyderabad, Jan 14 (NationPress) Responding to a long-overdue request from turmeric farmers in Telangana, particularly in Nizamabad, the Central Government officially launched the National Turmeric Board on Tuesday. This initiative aims to enhance the overall development and expansion of the turmeric industry across the nation.

The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the Board via a video conference from New Delhi. The event was graced by the presence of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, along with Nizamabad MP Arvind Dharmapuri.

Goyal appointed Palle Ganga Reddy as the inaugural chairperson of the National Turmeric Board, with its headquarters established in Nizamabad.

The Board will include representatives from various ministries, as well as farm exporters and producers’ organizations.

Referring to turmeric as the ‘Golden Spice’, the Union Minister mentioned that the new Board will prioritize the welfare of turmeric farmers across 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya, among others.

He highlighted the significant potential for enhancing turmeric production in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, asserting that the formation of the Turmeric Board would elevate the income of turmeric producers nationwide.

Piyush Goyal emphasized that the Board is committed to promoting research and development of innovative turmeric products while focusing on the value addition of turmeric for international marketing.

The Board will also prioritize raising awareness regarding the essential and medicinal properties of turmeric, exploring methods to increase yield, and strengthening logistics and supply chains to tap into new markets.

Goyal also pointed out that the Board will ensure adherence to quality and safety standards in turmeric production and export processes. In the previous year, India cultivated turmeric over an area of 3.05 lakh hectares, yielding 10.74 lakh tonnes. India contributes over 70% of the global turmeric supply, he noted.

Furthermore, he mentioned that there are 30 distinct varieties of turmeric cultivated in India.

Alongside the Chairperson, representatives from the Ministry of AYUSH, the Department of Pharmaceuticals, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and the Department of Commerce have also been appointed.

Representatives from the leading turmeric-producing states of Maharashtra and Telangana, as well as Meghalaya, known for its Lakadong Turmeric, will also participate in the Board. State representation will rotate among the states.

The National Turmeric Board will provide guidance, support initiatives, and coordinate with various government departments and agencies regarding the turmeric sector's growth and advancement in the country.

This initiative will emphasize harnessing the vast potential for expanding the trade of turmeric and its products, especially considering the health and wellness benefits associated with turmeric. India stands as the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric globally, holding more than 62% of the world trade.

In the 2023-24 period, India exported 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at 226.5 million dollars. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously announced the establishment of the National Turmeric Board before the Telangana Assembly elections in 2023, stating that it would assist farmers throughout the supply chain, from value addition to infrastructure.

During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP candidate D. Arvind from Nizamabad had pledged to establish the Turmeric Board within five days of winning the elections. Arvind triumphed over BRS leader and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s daughter, K. Kavitha, fulfilling his written promise stamped with a non-judicial bond.

The BRS intensified its criticism of the BJP following the Centre's clear statement in March 2023, indicating that there were no proposals for establishing a Turmeric Board or any other spice-specific boards in the country.