In a significant move to strengthen India’s turmeric industry, the Union Home Minister inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana. This board has been set up under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to develop a complete value chain for turmeric—ranging from cultivation and training to packaging, branding, marketing, and export promotion.
The new board will reduce dependency on middlemen, encourage GI-tagged organic turmeric, and provide farmers with training in scientific and sustainable cultivation practices. Until now, turmeric was promoted under the Spices Board, which oversees over 50 spices. The exclusive turmeric board is expected to bring sharper focus and more targeted growth strategies.
About Turmeric
Turmeric is the underground stem (rhizome) of the Curcuma longa plant, which belongs to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). The key active compound, curcumin, gives turmeric its bright yellow color and is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
Turmeric Cultivation in India
India grows more than 30 varieties of turmeric across over 20 states, with Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu being the top producers. The ideal conditions for turmeric cultivation include a tropical climate with temperatures between 20–30°C, annual rainfall above 1500 mm, and well-drained sandy or clay loam soils.
India’s Global Dominance
India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric in the world. In 2022–23, India contributed over 75% of global turmeric production and accounted for 62% of global exports. The country exported turmeric and its related products worth USD 207.45 million, mainly to Bangladesh, UAE, USA, and Malaysia.
With the establishment of the National Turmeric Board, India aims to increase turmeric exports to USD 1 billion by 2030.
GI-Tagged Premium Varieties
Some of India’s best-known GI-certified turmeric varieties include:
- Lakadong Turmeric – Meghalaya
- Kandhamal Turmeric – Odisha
- Erode Turmeric – Tamil Nadu
These varieties are internationally renowned for their purity, flavor, and curcumin content.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric plays a crucial role in both traditional and modern medicine. The compound curcumin is known to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Combat oxidative stress
- Aid digestion by enhancing bile production
Its natural healing properties make turmeric a core ingredient in Ayurveda, nutraceuticals, and even cosmetic formulations.
With the dedicated National Turmeric Board in place, India is poised to revolutionize turmeric farming and marketing, creating new opportunities for farmers, exporters, and health-conscious consumers around the world.
