Govt establishes National Turmeric Board, aims to up export to $1 bn by 2030

New Delhi: The government on Wednesday has officially announced on Wednesday the establishment of the National Turmeric Board which will focus on increasing the production and exports of the herb widely known for its medicinal properties. The government has plans to increase turmeric exports to Rs 8,400 crore, or $1 billion per annum, by 2030 from the existing Rs 1,600 crore, said Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday.

National Turmeric Board to focus on skill development of turmeric farmers

The board will help promote research and development and will focus on capacity building and skill development of turmeric growers for harnessing greater benefits out of value addition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced setting up of the board on October 3 at a function in Telangana and the Centre has notified the proposal on Wednesday, Thakur said.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said that the decision to set up a board for turmeric fulfils a long-pending demand of farmers of Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

“Farmers in Telangana did not wear slippers or shoes for the past 15 years to press for their demand of setting up a dedicated board for turmeric, our cadres have distributed slippers to the farmers of Telangana after this announcement,” he added.

The board shall have a chairperson to be appointed by the Centre, members from the Ministry of AYUSH, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Commerce & Industry of the central government, senior state government representatives from three states (on rotation basis), he said.

A newly formed board is set to include national and state research institutions, representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters and a Secretary appointed by the Department of Commerce, according to a statement. This diverse composition underscores a collaborative approach to address turmeric-related matters and highlights the involvement of key stakeholders in the decision-making processes.

The board will also promote the quality and food safety standards and adherence to such standards of the herb, the statement said.

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