National Turmeric Board to fulfil Telangana farmers' long-pending demand

India is a major producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric. Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of the formation of a National Turmeric Board comes as a Dasara Bonanza as it fulfils the long-pending demand from turmeric farmers in the state.

"Today it is important to pay more attention professionally and take an initiative in the value chain of turmeric, from production to export ... Looking at the necessity of turmeric farmers and future opportunities, the Centre has decided to establish a National Turmeric Board," the PM said during a recent visit to poll-bound Telangana. The PM pointed out that after Covid, awareness about turmeric has increased and its global demand has also increased. 

Often referred to as the Indian saffron, turmeric is known to possess healing properties. As one of the most multifaceted spices, it holds anti-inflammatory and wound healing qualities. It is due to these reasons that turmeric is in high demand in the domestic and the international market. In 2020, with exports worth more than 225 million U.S. dollars, India was the leading exporter of turmeric worldwide. Turmeric added value of about 43 billion rupees to the Indian economy.

Prime Minister Modi, in his speech, promised that the National Turmeric Board will be established in Telangana. "The Union Government has decided to create a Turmeric Board recognising the need, possibility and opportunity for growth of farmers," he said. With this initiative, the supply chain will be improved and farmers will receive infrastructure support, he said.

In March this year, the issue was raised in the Lok Sabha by BRS MPs who demanded 

the establishment of the Turmeric Board. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had promised to create a Turmeric Board for farmers. Modi's announcement comes ahead of the upcoming state Assembly elections.  Farmers, especially in Telangana, produce turmeric in huge quantities.

"The Turmeric Board will be a great boost for the farmers of the area as it will be provide necessary infrastructure support, value addition, research facility and help in exports in a professional manner," the Prime Minister said. Awareness of the therapeutic value of turmeric had increased during the Covid pandemic leading to an increased demand as well as higher exports. Hence, this initiative was necessary, he added.

Nizamabad, Nirmal and Jagtial districts are known for their huge cultivation of turmeric. The finger and bulb varieties of turmeric from there are exported apart from being used in catering to domestic and commercial needs. During fiscal year 2023, the volume of turmeric production in India was 1.23 million metric tons. This was a decrease from the previous fiscal year. The Southern state of Andhra Pradesh accounts for a significant chunk of the total turmeric production in the country.

Maharashtra is the leading producer of turmeric in India during fiscal year 2023, followed by Telangana and Karnataka. Since turmeric is a Kharif crop, its peak arrival season lies between March and April. 

The proposed National Turmeric Board will be on the line of such boards for tea, coffee, spices, jute, coconut, among others. These boards help farmers market their produce, besides looking after their other needs.