Union Minister Piyush Goyal launches National Turmeric Board

On 14th January 2025, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in New Delhi. During the event, Goyal announced Shri Palle Ganga Reddy as the first Chairperson of the Board. The headquarters of the National Turmeric Board has been established in Nizamabad, Telangana.

Speaking at the event, the Minister noted that the launch of the Board coincides with an auspicious day of celebrations across the country. He highlighted that representatives from various ministries, as well as exporter and producer bodies, will be part of the National Turmeric Board to ensure a comprehensive approach to the sector's development.

Goyal emphasized turmeric’s significance as the "Golden Spice" and stated that the Board will prioritize the welfare of turmeric farmers across 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, and others. He noted the immense potential for increasing turmeric production, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and expressed confidence that the Board's initiatives will enhance the incomes of turmeric producers nationwide.

The Minister elaborated that the Board will promote research and development of new turmeric products and focus on value addition to expand international markets. It will also create awareness about turmeric’s medicinal and essential properties, support efforts to increase yield, and enhance logistics and supply chains to foster trade in emerging markets. Additionally, Shri Goyal underscored that the Board will ensure quality and safety standards for turmeric production and exports.

During the event, Goyal shared that in 2023-24, India cultivated turmeric over an area of 3.05 lakh hectares, producing 10.74 lakh tonnes. He further informed that India is responsible for over 70% of global turmeric production and produces around 30 varieties of the spice.

The event was also graced by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and Arvind Dharmapuri, Member of Parliament from Nizamabad.

In addition to the chairperson, representatives from the Ministry of AYUSH, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Department of Commerce have been nominated to the Board. Representatives from Maharashtra and Telangana, the top turmeric-producing states, as well as Meghalaya, renowned for its Lakadong turmeric, will also be part of the Board. States will be represented on the Board by rotation to ensure equitable participation.

The National Turmeric Board will play a key role in the overall development and growth of the turmeric sector in India. It will provide leadership, augment efforts, and coordinate with other government departments and agencies to address the sector's challenges and unlock its potential. The Board aims to boost trade in turmeric and its products, particularly in light of the spice's health and wellness benefits.

India remains the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric in the world, holding over 62% of the global market share. In 2023-24, India exported 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at USD 226.5 million.