About the Board

• Last year, the Government of India notified the constitution of the National Turmeric Board. 
• The National Turmeric Board will focus on the development and growth of turmeric and turmeric products in the country.
• It will especially focus on capacity building and skill development of turmeric growers for harnessing greater benefits out of value addition. 
• The Board will also promote quality and food safety standards and adherence to such standards. 
• The Board shall have a Chairperson to be appointed by the Central Government, members from various Departments of the Union Government and State Government representatives.

About Turmeric 

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is native to Southeast Asia and is grown commercially in the region, primarily in India.
• Turmeric can be grown in diverse tropical conditions from sea level to 1500 m above sea level, at a temperature range of 20-35° C with an annual rainfall of 1500 mm or more, under rainfed or irrigated conditions. 
• Though it can be grown on different types of soils, it thrives best in well-drained sandy or clay loam soils with a pH range of 4.5-7.5 with good organic status.

Turmeric in India

• 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% share of world trade in turmeric. During 2022-23, 1.5 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at 207.45 million USD was exported. 
• 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.