Sudhir Kumar / NEW DELHI

The Government of India today notified the constitution of the National Turmeric Board NTB which will focus on the development and growth of turmeric and turmeric products in the country.

The Board will provide leadership on turmeric-related matters, augment the efforts, and facilitate greater coordination with the Spices Board and other Government agencies in the development and growth of the turmeric sector. Briefing media in New Delhi, Union Culture and Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy said, the Board will play an instrumental role in increasing awareness and consumption of turmeric and develop new markets globally to increase exports. He said it was a long pending demand of the farmers of Telangana.

India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world. More than 30 varieties of Turmeric are grown in India and it is grown in over 20 States in the country. The largest producing states of Turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. India has more than 62 percent share of world trade in turmeric.

India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world. In the year 2022-23, an area of 3.24 lakh ha was under turmeric cultivation in India with a production of 11.61 lakh tonnes (over 75% of global turmeric production). More than 30 varieties of Turmeric are grown in India and it is grown in over 20 states in the country. The largest producing states of Turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

India has more than 62% share of world trade in turmeric. During 2022-23, 1.534 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at 207.45 million USD was exported by more than 380 exporters The leading export markets for Indian Turmeric are Bangladesh, UAE, USA and Malaysia. With the focused activities of the Board, it is expected that turmeric exports will reach USD 1 Billion by 2030.