A New Golden Chapter for Indian Agriculture
National Turmeric Board Launched to Empower Farmers and Boost Exports: On 14 January 2025, during Pongal and Makar Sankranti celebrations, the Government of India officially launched the National Turmeric Board in New Delhi, marking a major milestone in India’s spice economy. Inaugurated by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, the board is designed to strengthen every link in the turmeric value chain—from cultivation and R&D to export promotion and farmer support.
As India already leads in turmeric production, the goal now is to build turmeric as a global wellness brand, rooted in Ayurveda and organic farming.
Supporting 1.4 Million Farmers Across 20 States
India grows over 70% of the world’s turmeric, yet turmeric farmers often lack market access and price protection. The new board aims to change that. With its headquarters in Nizamabad, Telangana, and leadership under Shri Palle Ganga Reddy, the board will focus on improving farmer incomes through better market linkages, GI-tagged product support, and infrastructure.
Farmers from states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya will benefit from price discovery platforms, training on high-yield varieties, and support for organic certification.
Export Strategy and Global Branding
India currently holds a 62% share in the global turmeric market, exporting 1.62 lakh tonnes valued at $226.5 million in FY24. With demand growing for natural immunity boosters and plant-based supplements, the board will work on:
- Finding new global markets
- Enhancing quality certification
- Supporting GI-based branding (e.g., Lakadong turmeric)
- Helping exporters with trade intelligence
The board will also target wellness and nutraceutical industries to tap into the $7 trillion global health market.
Innovation Meets Tradition
The board’s ambition goes beyond raw turmeric. It will collaborate with CSIR, agriculture universities, and private labs to explore new uses of turmeric in:
- Pharmaceuticals and health supplements
- Cosmetics and skincare products
- Textile dyeing and functional food preservation
With over 30 known varieties of turmeric in India, the board also aims to develop high-curcumin breeds for specific industrial uses, ensuring India remains competitive in value-added segments.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS
| Topic | Detail |
| Inauguration Date | 14 January 2025 |
| Location of HQ | Nizamabad, Telangana |
| First Chairperson | Shri Palle Ganga Reddy |
| India’s Global Turmeric Share | Over 70% of world production |
| FY24 Export Volume | 1.62 lakh tonnes |
| FY24 Export Value | $226.5 million |
| Famous GI-tagged Variety | Lakadong turmeric – Meghalaya (High curcumin content) |
| States Covered | 20 Indian states including TN, MH, AP, MP, TS, Meghalaya |
