Piyush Goyal launches National Turmeric Board; Palle Ganga Reddy named chairperson

Union minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday launched the National Turmeric Board and named Palle Ganga Reddy as its first chairperson.

The Board, headquartered at Nizamabad in Telangana, will pay special attention to the welfare of turmeric farmers, develop high-quality varieties, and increase exports of the 'Golden Spice', Goyal said at the event.

The Board includes representatives from the Ministry of AYUSH, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Department of Commerce, along with stakeholders from leading turmeric-producing states like Maharashtra, Telangana, and Meghalaya, known for its premium Lakadong turmeric.

Goyal noted that turmeric, cultivated across 20 states, has immense potential for increased production, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

He said the Board will promote research and development of new turmeric products and will look into the value addition of turmeric-related products for marketing abroad.

It will also look into creating awareness on the essential and medical properties of turmeric, ways to increase its yield and boost logistics and supply chain to foster trade into newer markets, he added.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, we are committed to spread awareness about turmeric, promote exports and increase the income of farmers associated with this sector," Goyal posted on X.

India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world, with more than 62% share of world trade.

During the financial year 2023-24, 3.05 lakh hectare of land was under turmeric cultivation in the country, producing 10.74 lakh tonnes of the spice, the minister said.

India exported 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric and its products worth $226.5 million in the same period.

Union minister of state for home affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Nizamabad MP Arvind Dharmapuri were present at the event.