Union Minister Piyush Goyal Inaugurates National Turmeric Board with Nizamabad as Headquarters

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Posted by admin on 2025-01-15 07:31:20 |

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OnJanuary 14, 2025, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyalinaugurated the National Turmeric Board (NTB) in New Delhi, with itsheadquarters located in Nizamabad. Palle Ganga Reddy has been appointed as theboard's first chairperson.

Ina virtual address, Minister Goyal, joined by Nizamabad BJP MP D. Aravind, notedthat the launch of the NTB coinciding with the Sankranti festival celebrationsacross India is a promising development for turmeric farmers, particularlythose in about 20 states. Goyal highlighted that farmer in states such asMaharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, andMeghalaya, known for producing turmeric—the ‘Golden Spice’—would benefit fromthis initiative. The NTB will help enhance their incomes and boost production,especially in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which have significant growthpotential.

MinisterGoyal also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced theformation of the NTB last year. However, its establishment was delayed due tothe model code of conduct during elections. The board's primary focus will beon promoting research and development of new turmeric products, facilitatingthe value addition of turmeric for export, and raising awareness aboutturmeric's essential and medicinal properties. Additionally, the NTB will workto improve yield, strengthen logistics and supply chains, and open new marketsfor turmeric trade.

Representativesfrom various central ministries, exporters, producer bodies, and farmers fromacross the country will be included in the board. The NTB will also overseequality and safety standards for turmeric production and exports.

MinisterGoyal shared that in the previous year, turmeric was cultivated over 3.05 lakhhectares in India, producing 10.74 lakh tones—accounting for over 70% of theglobal turmeric output. India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporterof turmeric in the world, contributing more than 62% to global turmeric trade.During 2023-24, 1.62 lakh tones of turmeric and turmeric products, valued at$226.5 million, were exported.

SanjayKumar, who also spoke at the event, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modiand Minister Goyal, and praised the efforts of Nizamabad MP D. Aravind forfulfilling the long-standing demand for the establishment of the NTB. He alsowelcomed the appointment of Palle Ganga Reddy as the board's chairman,expressing hope that the NTB would help ensure fair selling prices for turmericfarmers.

Withthe NTB in place, the central government will allocate special funds in theannual budget, establish a price stabilization fund, and implement cropinsurance measures to protect farmers from losses due to natural calamities.Spice Board director Remashri also addressed the event.

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