The Government of India officially established the National Turmeric Board on October 4, 2023, with a primary focus on the advancement and enhancement of the turmeric industry within the country.
The National Turmeric Board will play a leading role in all aspects related to turmeric, intensify its efforts, and promote stronger collaboration with organizations like the Spices Board and various governmental bodies to foster growth and development in the turmeric sector.
One of the key objectives of the Board is to capitalize on the significant potential and growing interest in the health and wellness benefits associated with turmeric. This includes raising awareness, increasing consumption, exploring new international markets to boost exports, stimulating research and development for innovative turmeric products, and harnessing traditional knowledge to create value-added offerings.
Furthermore, the Board will place particular emphasis on enhancing the skills and capabilities of turmeric farmers to maximize the value-added aspects of their produce. It will also encourage adherence to quality and food safety standards while safeguarding and optimizing the potential advantages of turmeric for the well-being of humanity.
By directing their unwavering attention towards the sector and promoting value addition at a grassroots level, the operations of the Board aim to contribute significantly to the prosperity and success of turmeric growers.
With the Board’s active involvement in research, market development, increased consumption, and value addition, India’s turmeric growers and processors are poised to maintain their dominant position as suppliers of high-quality turmeric and its derivatives in international markets.
The Board will be constituted by a Chairperson appointed by the Central Government, members representing key Ministries such as AYUSH, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Commerce & Industry, senior State Government officials from three states on a rotational basis, selected national/state research institutions, representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters, and a Secretary designated by the Department of Commerce.
India, being the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric globally, cultivated approximately 3.24 lakh hectares of turmeric in FY23, yielding a production of 11.61 lakh tonnes, which accounts for over 75% of global turmeric production. Turmeric is cultivated across more than 20 Indian states in over 30 different varieties. Major turmeric-producing states include Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
India’s share in global turmeric trade exceeds 62%. During the 2022-23 period, over 380 exporters dispatched 1.534 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products, with a total value of US$ 207.45 million. Prominent destinations for Indian turmeric exports include Bangladesh, the UAE, and Malaysia. The Board anticipates that by 2030, turmeric exports will surpass US$ 1 billion through its dedicated endeavors.
