In News:

The Union Home Minister inaugurated the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana, addressing a long-standing 40-year demand of turmeric farmers in the region.

About the National Turmeric Board (NTB):

• Established by: Government of India
• Status: Statutory body
• Location:Headquartered in Nizamabad, Telangana – popularly known as the "Turmeric Capital of India"

Administrative Oversight:

• Functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• Operates in coordination with the Ministries of AYUSH, Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals, and Cooperation

Governing Composition:

• Chairperson appointed by the Central Government
• Secretary from the Department of Commerce
• Members from:
  • Relevant central ministries
  • Turmeric-producing states (e.g., Telangana, Maharashtra, Meghalaya)
  • Farmer groups, exporters, and research institutions

Objectives of the Board:

• Promote value addition, branding, and marketing of turmeric products
• Ensure better prices to farmers by reducing intermediaries
• Promote global recognition of turmeric’s medicinal value
• Upgrade logistics and quality infrastructure to meet global standards
• Support training, research, and skill development in turmeric cultivation and utilization

Key Functions:

• Develop an end-to-end export ecosystem for turmeric
• Promote GI-tagged organic turmeric in international markets
• Ensure compliance with global food and safety standards
• Coordinate with the Spices Board, National Cooperative Exports Ltd., and other cooperatives for export promotion

Turmeric in India: An Overview

Botanical Information:

• Scientific Name:Curcuma longa
• A rhizomatous herbaceous plant, valued for its use in cooking, dyeing, and traditional medicine
• Commonly known as the "Golden Spice"

Agro-Climatic Conditions:

• Grown in tropical climates, requires 20–30°C temperature and high rainfall
• Prefers well-drained loamy soils
• Cultivated under both rain-fed and irrigated conditions

Production and Exports (2022–23):

• Area under cultivation: 3.24 lakh hectares
• Total production: 11.61 lakh tonnes
• India's global share: Over 75% of world turmeric production
• Varietal diversity: Over 30 indigenous varieties cultivated
• Exports: 1.53 lakh tonnes valued at USD 207.45 million
• Target: USD 1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030
• Top export destinations:Bangladesh, UAE, USA, Malaysia