A New Era for Turmeric Farmers: Amit Shah inaugurates the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana.
Historic Promise Fulfilled for Farmers
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana. He emphasized that this marks the fulfillment of a 40-year-old demand from turmeric farmers, particularly from Telangana.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to farmers has once again translated into action. The promise made during the 2023 campaign is now a reality with the launch of this Board.
Global Reach and Market Expansion
Shri Amit Shah assured that with the establishment of the Board, turmeric from Nizamabad will reach global markets within the next 3–4 years. The complete value chain — from packaging to branding to exports — will be handled by the Board, eliminating the role of middlemen.
The government is targeting US$1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030, and all necessary mechanisms are already in motion to achieve this ambitious goal.
Turmeric as a Medicinal Superfood
Describing turmeric as a “wonder drug”, Shri Shah highlighted its anti-viral, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. He emphasized the need to promote turmeric’s medicinal value internationally and back it with scientific R&D.
GI-tagged Turmeric from Telangana: Known for its purity and health benefits, now poised for international markets.
Farmers to Gain Higher Returns
Farmers received ₹18,000 to ₹19,000 per quintal for turmeric this year. With export-driven strategies, the government aims to push this price up by ₹6,000 to ₹7,000 per quintal in the next three years.
In 2023–24, turmeric was cultivated on 3 lakh hectares of land, producing over 10.74 lakh tonnes. Major producing districts in Telangana include Nizamabad, Jagtial, Nirmal, and Kamareddy.
Institutional Support for Organic & Export Farming
To support export-oriented and organic agriculture, PM Modi has also launched:
- National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) – to empower exporting farmers
- National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) – to promote organic farming practices
Both organizations aim to ensure that farmers earn more while maintaining international quality standards.
Training, Research, and Global Standards
The Board will also conduct training for farmers on proper harvesting techniques, quality assurance, and global compliance. Research on turmeric’s medicinal applications will be promoted to further boost exports and acceptance.
“India has the potential to become a global turmeric leader,” Shri Shah concluded, reaffirming the Modi government’s commitment to doubling farmers’ income.
