With an ambitious goal of USD 1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030, India is taking significant steps to strengthen its turmeric industry. The inauguration of the National Turmeric Board headquarters in Nizamabad, Telangana, by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah marks a pivotal moment. This initiative, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement in 2023, seeks to support turmeric farmers directly. Shah highlighted the board’s role in removing middlemen and facilitating crucial aspects like packing, branding, marketing, and exports. He also mentioned the health benefits of turmeric, which is recognized globally. India leads the world in turmeric production, consumption, and exports, accounting for over 62% of the global trade. In the fiscal year 2023-24, exports of turmeric and its products amounted to 1.62 lakh tonnes, valued at USD 226.5 million.
The National Turmeric Board, notified on October 4, 2023, aims to capitalize on the worldwide interest in turmeric’s health and wellness properties. The board’s strategy includes raising awareness and consumption, finding new international markets to increase exports, supporting research and development for innovative products, and fostering the use of traditional knowledge to create value-added turmeric products. Capacity building and skill development for turmeric growers will be key priorities. Furthermore, the board will concentrate on promoting and maintaining quality and food safety standards, thereby maximizing turmeric’s potential. More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown in over 20 Indian states, with Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu being major producers. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the growing demand for turmeric and the need for a professional approach across the entire value chain to assist farmers, including supply chain value addition and infrastructure support.