Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an important announcement in Telangana on a recent Sunday, fulfilling a longstanding demand from stakeholders in the turmeric sector.
He revealed the establishment of a National Turmeric Board, a significant step aimed at benefiting turmeric farmers across India.
Speaking at the Global Turmeric Conference 2023 in Mumbai on September 27, Hemant Patil, a member of the Lok Sabha representing Maharashtra's Hingoli constituency, highlighted the efforts made over the years to create a turmeric board. He expressed disappointment that this had not materialized until now.
However, following the Prime Minister's announcement, Patil welcomed the decision and expressed hope that the board would be established in Hingoli. Maharashtra has been actively advocating for the formation of the turmeric board, given its status as the leading producer of turmeric in recent years.
PM Modi explained that the National Turmeric Board would serve various purposes, including enhancing value addition in the turmeric supply chain and addressing infrastructure-related needs for farmers. He extended his congratulations to turmeric-growing farmers in Telangana and across the country for the creation of the board.
Additionally, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the significance of turmeric in India, where it holds a prominent position as a major producer, consumer, and exporter.
He noted that awareness of the health benefits of turmeric had grown during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased demand for the spice globally. He stressed the need for a more professional approach throughout the turmeric value chain, encompassing production, export, and research.
Currently, India contributes to approximately 80 percent of the world's turmeric production, yielding nearly 1.1 million tonnes of spice annually.
Turmeric exports have been on the rise, with shipments totalling around 1.5 lakh tonnes, particularly since the onset of the pandemic.
In conclusion, Modi's announcement of the National Turmeric Board is a significant development for India's turmeric industry. It is expected to bring tangible benefits to turmeric farmers, promote value addition, and boost the country's position as a key player in the global turmeric market.
From Telangana, I am glad to announce the formation of a National Turmeric Board. This will benefit crores of hardworking farmers. pic.twitter.com/ch8V7FDRYi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2023
