Government forms National Turmeric Board; aims to increase export from Rs 1,600 cr to Rs 8,000 cr

The National Turmeric Board will provide leadership on turmeric-related matters, augment the efforts, and facilitate greater coordination with Spices Board and other government agencies in development and growth of the turmeric sector, the PIB said in a release on Wednesday.

The Board shall have a chairperson to be appointed by the central government, members from the Ministry of AYUSH, departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Commerce & Industry of the Union Government, senior state government representatives from three states (on rotation basis), select national/state institutions involved in research, representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters, and have a secretary to be appointed by the Department of Commerce, the statement said.

India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world.

In the year 2022-23, an area of 3.24 lakh ha was under turmeric cultivation in India with a production of 11.61 lakh tonnes (over 75 per cent of global turmeric production).

More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown in India in over 20 states. The largest producing states of turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

India has more than 62 per cent share of world trade in turmeric. During 2022-23, 1.534 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at USD207.45 million were exported by more than 380 exporters. The leading export markets for Indian turmeric are Bangladesh, UAE, USA, and Malaysia. With the focused activities of the board, it is expected that turmeric exports will reach USD 1 Billion by 2030, reads the statement.

The turmeric board will leverage to increase awareness and consumption, develop new markets internationally to increase exports, promote research and development into new products, and develop on our traditional knowledge for value-added turmeric products.

It will focus on capacity building and skill development of turmeric growers for harnessing greater benefits.

The board will also promote quality and food safety standards and adherence to such standards.

The board will also take steps to further safeguard and usefully exploit turmeric’s full potential for humanity.