New Delhi: Union Culture and Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy Wednesday said the constitution of the National Turmeric Board will benefit the farmers of Odisha and other states in terms of value added and export of turmeric. The Union government Wednesday notified the constitution of the National Turmeric Board, which, the government said will focus on the development and growth of turmeric products in the country. The board will provide leadership on turmeric-related matters, augment the efforts, and facilitate greater coordination with Spices Board and other government agencies in development and growth of the turmeric sector. Reddy said that the establishment of the board will help in developing new markets internationally to increase exports and promote research and development into new products which will benefit the farmers.
The Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry informed that India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world. In 2022- 23, 3.24 lakh ha was brought under turmeric cultivation in India with a production of 11.61 lakh tonne (over 75 per cent of global turmeric production). The country has more than 62 per cent share of world trade in turmeric, the ministry said, adding that during 2022-23, India exported turmeric and turmeric products valued at 207.45 million USD. With the focused activities of the Board, it is expected that turmeric exports will reach USD 1 billion by 2030, the ministry said. It will especially focus on capacity building and skill development of turmeric growers for harnessing greater benefits out of value addition, it added.
The Board shall have a chairperson to be appointed by the Centre. Its members will be 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 rotation basis), select national/state institutions involved in research, representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters, and have a Secretary to be appointed by the Department of Commerce.