Union Ministry of Cooperation inaugurated the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana, a major step toward boosting India’s turmeric sector and exports. The board will operate under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This fulfills a 40-year-old demand of turmeric farmers, particularly from Telangana, a state known for its significant turmeric production.
About National Turmeric Board
| Feature | Details |
| Location of HQ | Nizamabad, Telangana |
| Inaugurated by | Union Minister for Cooperation |
| Controlling Ministry | Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| Launch Timeline | Notified in October 2023; Launched in January 2024 |
| Board’s Purpose | Promote turmeric farming, processing, exports, and farmer welfare |
| Export Target | $1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030 |
| Initial Funding | ₹200 crore allocated for R&D, quality improvement, and training |
| Major Support Bodies | National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL) National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL) |
Support from Cooperative Bodies: National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL) and National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL) will:
- Ensure compliance with global benchmarks
- Assist in export readiness
- Provide farmer training for hygienic harvesting
- Enable packaging and organic certification
Objectives & Functions of National Turmeric Board:
- Eliminate middlemen to ensure direct benefits to farmers.
- Establish an integrated framework for turmeric: Packaging, Branding, Marketing and Export
- Support GI-tagged and organic turmeric.
- Promote training, capacity building, and compliance with global quality and safety standards.
- Facilitate R&D to explore therapeutic and medicinal benefits of turmeric.
- Strengthen supply chains and improve value realization for turmeric farmers.
Why Nizamabad, Telangana?
- Known as the “Turmeric Capital of India”
- One of India’s top turmeric-producing regions
- Other key turmeric districts: Jagtial, Nirmal, Kamareddy
- Telangana ranked 3rd in turmeric production in 2024–25
Need of Turmeric Board
| Existing Scenario | Issues Faced |
| Earlier, turmeric promotion was handled by the Spices Board, which manages over 50 spices | Lack of dedicated focus on turmeric |
| Farmers lacked access to high-quality planting material, branding support, and export guidance | Turmeric farmers remained vulnerable to market volatility and lacked global access |
| Presence of middlemen in supply chain reduced farmer income | Board aims to provide a complete chain from farm to export |
India’s Global Standing in Turmeric
| Indicator | Value |
| Global Share in Production | Over 75% |
| Global Share in Trade | Around 62% |
| 2022–23 Cultivation Area | 3.24 lakh hectares |
| 2023–24 Production | 10.74 lakh tonnes |
| 2025 Market Price | ₹18,000–₹19,000 per quintal |
| Price Target (3-year Goal) | Increase by ₹6,000–₹7,000 per quintal |
About Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
- Native to India, turmeric is used in:
- Medicine: Anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer properties
- Culinary: Spice and colouring agent
- Beauty and organic health industries
- Indian turmeric’s High curcumin content is globally valued.
- Used in ayurveda, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and wellness products.