In a significant move to boost the turmeric and turmeric products industry in India, the Government of India has formally notified the establishment of the National Turmeric Board. This dedicated board will play a pivotal role in promoting the development and growth of turmeric-related activities across the country.
The National Turmeric Board’s primary objectives encompass providing leadership in matters related to turmeric, enhancing ongoing efforts, and facilitating better coordination with the Spices Board and other government agencies to foster the expansion of the turmeric sector.
Turmeric has garnered significant attention worldwide due to its various health and wellness benefits. The National Turmeric Board intends to leverage this global interest to increase awareness and consumption of turmeric products, explore new international markets to boost exports, support research and development initiatives for innovative products, and harness traditional knowledge for value-added turmeric offerings. Furthermore, the board will focus on enhancing the skills and capacities of turmeric growers, leading to greater value realization from their produce. It will also promote adherence to quality and food safety standards while maximizing the potential of turmeric for the betterment of humanity.
“The activities of the National Turmeric Board will contribute to the well-being and prosperity of turmeric growers by directing focused attention to the sector and enhancing value addition closer to the farms. This approach is expected to yield better returns for the growers. Additionally, the board’s efforts in research, market development, consumption enhancement, and value addition will enable Indian growers and processors to maintain their pre-eminent position as exporters of high-quality turmeric and turmeric products in the global markets”.
“The composition of the board includes a Chairperson appointed by the Central Government, members from the Ministry of AYUSH, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Commerce and industry of the Union Government, senior State Government representatives from three states on a rotation basis, select national/state research institutions, representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters, and a Secretary appointed by the Department of Commerce”.
India boasts the status of being the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric globally. In the year 2022-23, India cultivated turmeric in an area of 3.24 lakh hectares, producing 11.61 lakh tonnes, which accounted for over 75% of the world’s turmeric production. The country cultivates more than 30 varieties of turmeric in over 20 states, with Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu being the leading producing states.
India currently holds more than a 62% share of the world trade in turmeric. In the fiscal year 2022-23, India exported 1.534 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at 207.45 million USD, involving over 380 exporters. Key export markets for Indian turmeric include Bangladesh, UAE, USA, and Malaysia. With the strategic activities and initiatives of the National Turmeric Board, the country anticipates reaching a remarkable turmeric export target of USD 1 Billion by 2030.
