The Government of India on Wednesday notified the constitution of the National Turmeric Board, a new body that will focus on the development and growth of the turmeric sector in the country. Turmeric is a popular spice and medicinal herb that is used in a variety of cuisines and traditional medicine systems around the world. India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric.
प्रधानमंत्री @NarendraModi जी के नेतृत्व में सरकार ने #NationalTurmericBoard के गठन से वर्षों पुरानी मांग को पूरा किया।
📖 https://t.co/k11K5CFHaI pic.twitter.com/8TwCYOWozW
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) October 4, 2023
The National Turmeric Board will be chaired by a person appointed by the central government. It will also have members from the Ministry of AYUSH, the Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Commerce & Industry of the Union Government, senior state government representatives from three states (on a rotational basis), select national/state institutions involved in turmeric research, representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters, and a secretary to be appointed by the Department of Commerce.
The board will work to promote the development and growth of the turmeric sector in a number of ways, including increasing awareness and consumption of turmeric domestically and internationally. Developing new markets for turmeric products. Promoting research and development into new turmeric products and value-added products. Building capacity and skills among turmeric growers to help them benefit from value addition. Promoting quality and food safety standards for turmeric products. Safeguarding and exploiting the full potential of turmeric for humanity.
The board’s activities are expected to contribute to the greater well-being and prosperity of turmeric growers in India. The board’s focus on research, market development, increasing consumption, and value addition is also expected to help Indian turmeric growers and processors maintain their pre-eminent position in the global markets as exporters of high-quality turmeric and turmeric products.
In the year 2022-23, India produced over 75% of the world’s turmeric. The country has more than 62% share of the global turmeric trade. The leading export markets for Indian turmeric are Bangladesh, UAE, USA, and Malaysia.
With the establishment of the National Turmeric Board, the Indian government aims to boost turmeric exports to USD 1 billion by 2030.