National Turmeric Board Inaugurated
30.06.2025
National Turmeric Board Inaugurated
Context:
In a landmark move on a long-standing demand, the Union Home Minister inaugurated the National Turmeric Board’s headquarters in Nizamabad, Telangana, on behalf of turmeric farmers who had waited four decades for institutional support.
About the National Turmeric Board
The National Turmeric Board is a newly formed statutory body by the Government of India to comprehensively promote and regulate the turmeric value chain—from cultivation to international trade.
- Head Office Location:
Nizamabad in Telangana, a district historically known as the “Turmeric Capital of India.” - Administrative Jurisdiction:
The board functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministries of AYUSH, Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals, and Cooperation. - Composition of the Governing Body:
- A Chairperson appointed by the Central Government
- Officials from the Department of Commerce
- Representatives from Ministries mentioned above
- Members from leading turmeric-producing states such as Telangana, Maharashtra, and Meghalaya
- Turmeric farmers, exporters, and experts from research institutions
Objectives of the Turmeric Board
- Enhance Value Addition & Branding:
Encourage branding and processing of turmeric products for the domestic and global markets. - Increase Farmer Income:
Work towards eliminating middlemen to ensure higher profits for growers. - Global Promotion of Medicinal Use:
Spread awareness of turmeric’s health benefits, especially in nutraceutical and Ayurvedic sectors. - Improve Logistics & Quality:
Ensure turmeric production adheres to international quality and food safety norms. - Capacity Building:
Support training, skill development, and research in improved turmeric cultivation techniques.
Functions of the Board
- Build Export Infrastructure:
Develop facilities that streamline the turmeric export supply chain. - Promote GI-Tagged & Organic Produce:
Support geographically indicated and organic turmeric varieties for premium markets. - Standards Compliance:
Monitor adherence to international food safety and phytosanitary standards.
- Coordinate with Export Institutions:
Work alongside agencies like the Spices Board of India and National Cooperative Export Limited to expand global reach.
India’s Turmeric Landscape
Botanical Profile:
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a tropical plant grown for its medicinal, culinary, and dyeing uses, commonly known as the “Golden Spice.”
Cultivation Regions:
Turmeric is cultivated across 20+ Indian states, with major producers including:
- Maharashtra
- Telangana
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
- Meghalaya
Climatic Requirements:
- Grows best in tropical conditions, with temperatures between 20–30°C
- Requires high rainfall and thrives in well-drained loamy soils
- Grown under both irrigated and rain-fed conditions
Turmeric Production & Export – Key Data (2022–23)
India cultivates turmeric over 3.24 lakh hectares, producing 11.61 lakh tonnes annually. It contributes 75% globally, exports 1.53 lakh tonnes worth USD 207.45 million, and targets USD 1 billion exports by 2030.
Conclusion
The establishment of the National Turmeric Board marks a major milestone in institutionalising support for India’s turmeric farmers. With a strong focus on value addition, quality control, market linkages, and global branding, the board is poised to transform turmeric from a traditional crop into a globally recognized agricultural asset.