The inauguration of the National Turmeric Board is a significant step toward strengthening India’s position as a global leader in turmeric production, consumption, and export. Read here to learn more.
The union government had officially notified the establishment of the National Turmeric Board in October 2023.
Turmeric is also known as โGolden Spiceโ.
The newly formed Board will pay special attention to the welfare of turmeric farmers in 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, and others.
Turmeric
Scientific Name: Curcuma longa
Family: Ginger family (Zingiberaceae).
Part Used: Underground stem (rhizome).
Active Compound: Curcumin, gives turmeric its yellow colour and is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
Cultivation and Production:
- Varieties: India cultivates over 30 varieties of turmeric.
- Leading States: Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are major producers.
- Global Role: India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric worldwide.
- Global Share:
- India accounts for over 75% of the world’s turmeric production.
- India holds 62% of the global export market for turmeric.
Geographical Indication (GI) Tags:
Several regional varieties of turmeric have received GI tags, highlighting their unique qualities linked to their origin:
- Lakadong Turmeric (Meghalaya): Known for its high curcumin content.
- Kandhamal Turmeric (Odisha).
- Erode Turmeric (Tamil Nadu).
- Armoor Turmeric (Nizamabad, Telangana).
National Turmeric Board
Headquarters is established in Nizamabad, a prominent turmeric-growing region in Telangana.
- Composition of the Board: Includes representatives from:
- Ministries: AYUSH, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Commerce.
- States: Rotational representation, with Maharashtra, Telangana, and Meghalaya highlighted initially.
- Producers and Exporters: Direct involvement to address grassroots concerns.
- Objectives and Functions:
- R&D and Innovation:
- Develop new turmeric products.
- Promote value addition for better marketing abroad.
- Awareness and Standards:
- Educate on turmeric’s health and medicinal benefits.
- Ensure quality and safety standards for production and exports.
- Boosting Production and Income:
- Enhance turmeric yield in key states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- Strengthen logistics and supply chains to tap into new markets.
- R&D and Innovation:
India’s Dominance in Turmeric
India is pivotal in the global turmeric market, holding a commanding share of production and exports.
The statistics from 2023-24 highlight the country’s unmatched position in the industry:
- Global Production Share: India produces over 70% of the world’s turmeric supply, making it the largest producer globally.
- 2023-24 Production Data:
- Cultivation Area: 3.05 lakh hectares.
- Total Production: 10.74 lakh tonnes.
- Exports:
- Exported 62 lakh tonnes of turmeric.
- Total export value: 5 million USD.
Factors Behind India’s Dominance:
- Favourable Climate: Turmeric thrives in India’s tropical climate, particularly in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
- Rich Varieties: India cultivates several turmeric varieties with high curcumin content, enhancing its demand in international markets.
- Traditional Expertise: Generations of farmers have mastered the art of turmeric cultivation and processing.
- Health and Wellness Trends: Turmeric’s growing use in health supplements, cosmetics, and food products globally has driven demand for Indian turmeric, which is which is known for its quality.
Significance of the National Turmeric Board
- Empowerment of Farmers:
- Focus on the welfare of farmers in 20 states, including major producers like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
- Increased income opportunities through enhanced production and global market access.
- Health and Wellness Revolution:
- Promote turmeric’s medicinal properties, capitalizing on the growing global demand for natural health products.
- Economic Growth:
- Leverage turmericโs economic potential to boost Indiaโs agricultural export revenues.
- Strengthen India’s global trade position in spices, particularly turmeric.
- Focus on Meghalaya’s Lakadong Turmeric:
- Special attention to high-curcumin varieties like Lakadong Turmeric, known for its superior quality and medicinal properties.
Challenges
- Ensuring uniform quality standards across diverse varieties.
- Addressing logistical and supply chain bottlenecks for exports.
- Competing with emerging global turmeric producers.
Way forward
- Harnessing the growing popularity of natural remedies globally.
- Expanding the use of turmeric in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and functional foods.
- Enhancing branding and marketing efforts for premium varieties.
Conclusion
The National Turmeric Board represents a strategic initiative to consolidate India’s global leadership in the turmeric sector. By addressing production, quality, marketing, and export challenges, the Board aims to unlock the full potential of the “Golden Spice” while empowering farmers and fostering economic growth.
Previous Year Question
Q. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists: (Prelims 2008)
List-I |
List-II |
(Board) |
(Headquarters) |
A. Coffee Board |
1. Bengaluru |
B. Rubber Board |
2. Guntur |
C. Tea Board |
3. Kottayam |
D. Tobacco Board |
4. Kolkata |
Code:
A B C D
(a)ย 2 4 3 1
(b)ย 1 3 4 2ย
(c)ย 2 3 4 1
(d)ย 1 4 3 2
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Where is the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board?
Ans: Nizamabad, Telangana
Q. Is the National Turmeric Board a statutory body?
Ans: The National Turmeric Board isย not a statutory body.
- Nodal Ministry: Managed by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- Chairperson appointed by the Central Government.
- Members from the Ministry of AYUSH, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Commerce & Industry.
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-Article by Swathi Satish
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