In a significant move to enhance the development and growth of the turmeric industry, the Government of India has officially established the National Turmeric Board. The newly formed board is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting turmeric and turmeric products, further harnessing the potential of this versatile spice, and expanding its global reach.
The National Turmeric Board's primary mission is to provide leadership in all matters related to turmeric, coordinate with relevant government agencies, particularly the Spices Board, and spearhead efforts to advance the turmeric sector within the country. This strategic initiative is set to capitalize on the growing global interest in the health and wellness benefits of turmeric and exploit the spice's full potential for the benefit of humanity.
One of the key objectives of the National Turmeric Board is to raise awareness and consumption of turmeric domestically and internationally. It aims to explore new markets for exports, foster research and development of innovative turmeric products, and preserve and promote India's rich traditional knowledge regarding turmeric. Additionally, the board will focus on enhancing the capabilities and skills of turmeric growers to maximize the value addition closer to the farms.
Furthermore, the National Turmeric Board will actively work towards ensuring quality and food safety standards in the turmeric sector while maintaining a steadfast commitment to safeguarding and optimizing turmeric's full potential.
A government official stated that the establishment of the National Turmeric Board signifies a substantial advancement for the turmeric industry in India. They also mentioned that it would result in increased well-being and prosperity for turmeric growers and help India maintain its status as the world's leading producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric and turmeric products.
India's dominance in the global turmeric market is undisputed, with over 75% of the world's turmeric production originating from its fertile lands. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, India cultivated turmeric on 3.24 lakh hectares, yielding a staggering 11.61 lakh tonnes of turmeric. This versatile spice is grown in over 20 states in the country, with Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu emerging as the leading turmeric-producing states.
In terms of international trade, India holds a commanding 62% share of the global turmeric trade. During the 2022-23 fiscal year, more than 380 exporters shipped 1.534 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at USD 207.45 million to countries such as Bangladesh, the UAE, the USA, and Malaysia. With the formation of the National Turmeric Board and its concerted efforts, experts predict that turmeric exports could reach a staggering USD 1 billion by 2030.
The National Turmeric Board will be composed of a Chairperson 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 a rotation basis, select national/state institutions involved in research, as well as representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters. A Secretary will also be appointed by the Department of Commerce to assist in the board's administrative functions.
