Government Initiates National Turmeric Board to Enhance Exports and Support Farmers
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The newly established National Turmeric Board aims to enhance turmeric production in India, focusing on farmer welfare, quality improvements, and expanding export opportunities. Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the initiative, emphasizing its significant potential in boosting the income of turmeric producers, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Key Takeaways
- National Turmeric Board launched to support farmers.
- Focus on improving turmeric varieties and exports.
- Board headquartered in Nizamabad, Telangana.
- India holds 62% of global turmeric trade.
- Production spans 3.05 lakh hectares in FY 2023-24.
New Delhi, Jan 14 (NationPress) In an effort to enhance research and innovation surrounding new turmeric products, the government has officially established the National Turmeric Board on Tuesday. This initiative will particularly focus on the welfare of the farmers who cultivate the 'Golden Spice', improve quality varieties, and emphasize increasing exports.
The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the board in the national capital, appointing Palle Ganga Reddy as its Chairperson. The Board's headquarters will be located in Nizamabad, Telangana.
"The Board will prioritize the welfare of turmeric farmers across 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, and others," stated the Union Minister.
India commands over 62 percent of the global turmeric trade. For the year 2023-24, 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric and related products, valued at $226.5 million, were exported.
According to Goyal, "There is significant potential for increasing turmeric production in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and the establishment of the Turmeric Board aims to enhance the income of turmeric producers across the nation."
Members from various ministries will participate in the National Turmeric Board, alongside representatives from exporters and producers' organizations.
The Board will also promote awareness regarding the medicinal and essential properties of turmeric, explore methods to enhance yield, and improve logistics and supply chains to tap into new markets.
He emphasized that the Board will guarantee adherence to quality and safety standards in turmeric production and exports.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, turmeric cultivation spanned an area of 3.05 lakh hectares in India, yielding 10.74 lakh tonnes.
India contributes to over 70 percent of the world's turmeric production, with approximately 30 varieties cultivated nationwide, the minister noted.
Officials 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 to the Board, as per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
