Government of India Officially Announces Formation of National Turmeric Board:
The Government of India has officially announced the establishment of the National Turmeric Board. This newly formed board will concentrate its efforts on the advancement and expansion of the turmeric industry and its products within the country.
The primary objectives of the National Turmeric Board include providing leadership in turmeric-related matters, enhancing initiatives, and fostering better coordination with the Spices Board and various government agencies to promote the growth of the turmeric sector.
Turmeric has gained significant global attention for its potential health and wellness benefits, and the board intends to leverage this interest to raise awareness, boost consumption, explore new international markets for exports, support research and development of innovative turmeric products, and build upon traditional knowledge for value-added offerings. Special emphasis will be placed on empowering turmeric growers through capacity building and skill development, as well as ensuring adherence to quality and food safety standards. The board will work towards maximizing the full potential of turmeric for the benefit of humanity.
The board’s activities are expected to enhance the well-being and prosperity of turmeric growers by focusing on value addition and bringing added value closer to the farming communities. Their research, market development, increased consumption, and value-added initiatives will help maintain the global reputation of Indian growers and processors as providers of high-quality turmeric and related products.
The National Turmeric Board will comprise a Chairperson appointed by the Central Government, members from various government ministries including AYUSH, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Commerce and industry, representatives from state governments on a rotational basis, national and state research institutions, turmeric farmers, exporters, and a Secretary appointed by the Department of Commerce.
India stands as the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric. In the 2022-23 period, turmeric cultivation covered an area of 3.24 lakh hectares in India, resulting in a production of 11.61 lakh tonnes, which accounts for over 75% of global turmeric production. India cultivates more than 30 turmeric varieties across 20 states, with the major producing states being Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
India holds a remarkable 62% share of the global trade in turmeric. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, over 1.534 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric-related products, valued at $207.45 million USD, were exported by more than 380 exporters. Bangladesh, UAE, USA, and Malaysia are the leading export markets for Indian turmeric. The focused efforts of the National Turmeric Board are expected to propel turmeric exports to reach $1 billion USD by 2030.
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