Context:

On June 29, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana. This marks a significant milestone for India’s turmeric sector, which has long awaited dedicated institutional support to improve farmers’ incomes and promote exports.

The significance of the Board:

• Despite turmeric’s popularity, farmers have struggled to get fair prices and modern support. Until now, the Spices Board of India handled turmeric promotion along with over 50 other spices, which limited focused efforts. For decades, turmeric farmers demanded a separate board to address their crop’s unique challenges.
• The National Turmeric Board was officially notified in October 2023 and launched in January 2025. However, it only became functional with the opening of its headquarters in June.
• Telangana was selected as the Board’s base because it is a major turmeric-producing state. In 2024–25, it ranked as India’s third-largest producer of turmeric.

Key Functions and Targets:

The National Turmeric Board will operate under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Its primary functions include:

• Developing high-quality planting materials and modern cultivation practices.
• Promoting processing, packaging, branding, and marketing of turmeric.
• Supporting export efforts to meet international standards.
• Training and capacity building for farmers.

To achieve these goals, the central government has allocated ₹200 crore. This funding will be used for crop quality improvement, research, and initiatives to raise farmer incomes.

One of the government’s targets is to increase turmeric exports to $1 billion by 2030. India’s growing reputation as a supplier of high-quality turmeric, especially in health and organic markets, will help achieve this.

About Turmeric: 

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is native to India and has been a vital part of Indian food, medicine, and culture for centuries.

·        Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric has become popular worldwide, especially in health and wellness products like turmeric lattes, dietary supplements, and organic skincare.

·        India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric globally. In 2022–23, India cultivated turmeric on 324,000 hectares, producing 1.16 million tonnes, which accounted for more than 75% of global production. India also commanded over 62% of world trade in turmeric.

Benefits for Farmers:

Turmeric farmers often rely on intermediaries who take a share of their earnings. With the Board’s support, farmers are expected to access better markets and sell their produce at higher prices. In 2025, farmers earned about ₹18,000–₹19,000 per quintal of turmeric.

The government plans to help raise this price by an additional ₹6,000–₹7,000 per quintal within the next three years.

To support export readiness, the National Cooperative Exports Ltd and National Cooperative Organics Ltd will work closely with turmeric producers. These agencies will assist in:

• Ensuring quality and safety standards.
• Developing appropriate packaging.
• Training farmers on harvesting and post-harvest handling.

Conclusion:

The creation of the National Turmeric Board represents a dedicated effort to strengthen India’s position in the global turmeric market, improve farmer welfare, and modernize the supply chain. With proper funding and institutional support, turmeric farmers can expect more stable incomes and greater opportunities in both domestic and export markets.