Union Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated the National Turmeric Board’s new headquarters in Nizamabad, Telangana. This event marks a significant step towards empowering turmeric farmers in India. The establishment of this board fulfills a long-standing demand of turmeric farmers, especially in Telangana, and promises to enhance the growth of the turmeric industry.
During the inauguration, Amit Shah stated that the Prime Minister has kept a 40-year-old promise to farmers by setting up the National Turmeric Board. Nizamabad, known as the turmeric capital, has been home to turmeric cultivation for centuries. However, until now, farmers here have struggled to reach global markets. Shah expressed confidence that, within the next 3-4 years, turmeric from Nizamabad will be exported worldwide.
One of the key objectives of the National Turmeric Board is to eliminate the role of middlemen in the turmeric trade. This will allow farmers to receive better prices for their products. The board aims to create a comprehensive system for turmeric packaging, branding, marketing, and export. Amit Shah highlighted the health benefits of turmeric, noting its anti-viral, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is often regarded as a wonder drug due to its medicinal qualities.
The government has set a target of achieving one billion dollars in turmeric exports by 2030. To support this goal, the National Turmeric Board will ensure that farmers receive maximum value from their products. It will promote turmeric consumption in international markets and highlight the health benefits of Indian turmeric.
In the 2023-24 season, turmeric was cultivated on 3 lakh hectares across India, resulting in a production of 10.74 lakh tonnes. Amit Shah mentioned that turmeric farmers received prices between Rs 18,000 to Rs 19,000 per quintal in 2025. The government aims to increase this price by an additional Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 per quintal over the next three years.
The formation of the National Turmeric Board is not only about increasing exports but also about improving the quality and safety standards of Indian turmeric. The board will arrange for proper packaging and provide training to farmers on effective harvesting techniques. This training will help avoid export-related issues and ensure that Indian turmeric meets global standards.
Amit Shah also revealed that research and development on the health benefits of turmeric will be conducted to showcase its advantages globally. He emphasized that Nizamabad and nearby districts are among the top turmeric-producing areas in the country. The establishment of the National Turmeric Board is expected to bring a significant change to the turmeric farming landscape in India, providing farmers with the support and resources they need to thrive.
Overall, the launch of the National Turmeric Board is a positive development for turmeric farmers in India. It signals a commitment to improving their livelihoods and expanding the reach of Indian turmeric in the global market. Farmers can look forward to a future where their hard work is rewarded with fair prices and access to international markets.