New Delhi: On June 29, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Turmeric Board Headquarters in Nizamabad, Telangana, marking a historic moment for India’s turmeric farmers and the country’s spice industry. This significant development fulfills a long-standing demand of turmeric farmers in Nizamabad and aligns with the government’s ambitious vision to elevate India’s turmeric sector to new heights. With a funding allocation of ₹200 crore and a target to achieve $1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030, the National Turmeric Board is set to revolutionize turmeric production, branding, research, and global trade.
Background and Context of the National Turmeric Board
The establishment of the National Turmeric Board, notified in October 2023 and inaugurated in January 2025, is a pivotal step toward addressing the challenges faced by turmeric farmers and promoting the growth of the turmeric sector. The board operates under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and aims to provide leadership on turmeric-related matters, augment efforts, and facilitate greater coordination with the Spices Board and other government agencies. Its primary objectives include promoting research and development (R&D), enhancing value addition for exports, increasing awareness of turmeric’s health benefits, improving yields, and strengthening the supply chain to expand markets globally.
The board’s composition reflects its commitment to inclusive representation. It includes a chairperson appointed by the Central Government, members from the Ministry of AYUSH, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, senior representatives from three states (on a rotational basis), select national and state institutions involved in turmeric research, and representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters. A secretary appointed by the Department of Commerce oversees its operations, ensuring seamless coordination and execution of its goals.
The Significance of Nizamabad as the Headquarters
Nizamabad, a key turmeric-growing region in Telangana, was chosen as the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board due to its significant contribution to India’s turmeric production. The region has long been a hub for turmeric cultivation, with farmers in Nizamabad advocating for a dedicated board to address their issues, such as reliance on middlemen, lack of branding, and limited access to global markets. The establishment of the board’s headquarters in Nizamabad fulfills a 40-year-old dream of local farmers and a key election promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
BJP Lok Sabha member from Nizamabad, D. Arvind, played a crucial role in this achievement. In 2019, he defeated Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC and then-Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s daughter, K. Kavitha, largely by campaigning on the promise to establish the Turmeric Board. Arvind’s re-election in 2024 further solidified the region’s support for this initiative. The inauguration of the headquarters on June 29, 2025, attended by prominent leaders such as Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and BJP MP K. Laxman, underscores the political and economic significance of this development.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s Vision for the Turmeric Sector
During the inauguration, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the transformative potential of the National Turmeric Board. He stated that within three to four years, turmeric from Nizamabad would reach most countries worldwide, significantly boosting India’s share in the global turmeric market. Shah highlighted the board’s role in establishing a comprehensive value chain, encompassing packaging, branding, marketing, and export, thereby eliminating farmers’ dependence on middlemen. This integrated approach is expected to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and enhance their financial stability.
Shah also underscored the health benefits of turmeric, describing it as a “wonder drug” with antiviral, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. He noted that Indian turmeric, particularly varieties with high curcumin content, is highly sought after in international markets. To capitalize on this demand, the government has initiated GI (Geographical Indication) tag certification and marketing for organic turmeric, further enhancing its global appeal. Shah announced that the Government of India has set an ambitious target of achieving $1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030, a goal that the Turmeric Board will work tirelessly to achieve.
To support farmers in meeting export standards, the board will provide training in best practices and skill development programs. Shah revealed that in 2025, turmeric farmers received rates of ₹18,000 to ₹19,000 per quintal, and with the board’s marketing initiatives, they could earn an additional ₹6,000 to ₹7,000 per quintal within the next three years. Additionally, the establishment of branch offices of Bharat Organic Cooperative Limited and Bharat Cooperative Exports Limited in Nizamabad will further boost turmeric exports and support the local economy.
Turmeric in India: A Global Leader
India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric, accounting for 70% of global turmeric production and over 62% of world trade. The country cultivates approximately 30 varieties of turmeric across more than 20 states, with Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh contributing 63.4% of domestic production. Key export markets include Bangladesh, UAE, USA, and Malaysia, where Indian turmeric is valued for its quality and versatility.
Several turmeric varieties in India have received GI tags, including Sangli Turmeric and Waigaon Turmeric from Maharashtra, Erode Manjal/Turmeric from Tamil Nadu, and Lakadong Turmeric from Meghalaya. These GI tags enhance the marketability of Indian turmeric by highlighting its unique regional characteristics and quality.
About Turmeric: The Golden Spice
Turmeric, often referred to as the “Golden Spice,” is a rhizome (underground stem) known for its vibrant color and numerous health benefits. It thrives in diverse tropical conditions, requiring a temperature range of 20-30 degrees Celsius and an annual rainfall of 1500 mm or more. The crop grows best in well-drained sandy or clay loam soils, making it suitable for cultivation in various parts of India.
Turmeric’s health benefits are well-documented, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties making it a staple in traditional medicine and modern wellness practices. Its high curcumin content, particularly in Indian varieties, has contributed to its reputation as a superfood with antiviral, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. These qualities have fueled global demand, positioning India as a leader in the turmeric market.
Government Support and Funding
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who announced the establishment of the Turmeric Board, has allocated ₹200 crore to improve the quality of turmeric crops, conduct research, and enhance farmers’ income. This funding will support initiatives such as R&D for high-yielding varieties, quality improvement, and the development of value-added products for export markets. The board’s efforts align with India’s broader vision to become a global spice hub, strengthening the rural economy and promoting agri-exports.
Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageshwar Rao expressed gratitude to the Central Government for responding to the long-pending demand of farmers. The establishment of the Turmeric Board is expected to have a transformative impact on the livelihoods of turmeric farmers in Telangana and other turmeric-growing regions.
Economic and Social Impact
The inauguration of the National Turmeric Board Headquarters in Nizamabad is a significant milestone for India’s spice industry and rural economy. By focusing on branding, packaging, and marketing, the board aims to create value-added turmeric products that compete effectively in global markets. The elimination of middlemen from the supply chain will ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce, enhancing their financial security and encouraging sustainable farming practices.
The board’s emphasis on research and development will lead to the introduction of high-yielding turmeric varieties and improved cultivation techniques, further boosting productivity. The training and skill development programs will empower farmers to meet international quality standards, enabling them to tap into lucrative export markets. The establishment of Bharat Organic Cooperative Limited and Bharat Cooperative Exports Limited branches in Nizamabad will provide additional support for organic turmeric production and export, aligning with the growing global demand for organic products.
Political Significance
The establishment of the Turmeric Board fulfills a major poll promise made by the BJP in Telangana, strengthening the party’s position in the region. The board’s launch is a testament to the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of farmers and promoting agricultural development. The presence of prominent BJP leaders, including Amit Shah, G. Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and K. Laxman, at the inauguration highlights the political importance of this initiative.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the National Turmeric Board Headquarters in Nizamabad on June 29, 2025, marks a new chapter in India’s turmeric industry. With a clear focus on boosting exports, improving crop quality, and empowering farmers, the board is poised to transform the turmeric sector and strengthen India’s position as the global leader in turmeric production and trade. The ₹200 crore funding, ambitious $1 billion export target by 2030, and comprehensive value chain initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to the welfare of turmeric farmers and the growth of the spice industry. As Nizamabad emerges as a key hub for turmeric innovation and export, the National Turmeric Board is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s “Golden Spice.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the National Turmeric Board, and what is its purpose?
The National Turmeric Board, notified in October 2023 and inaugurated in January 2025, operates under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Its purpose is to provide leadership on turmeric-related matters, promote research and development (R&D), enhance value addition for exports, increase awareness of turmeric’s health benefits, improve yields, and strengthen the supply chain to expand global markets. The board aims to boost turmeric exports to $1 billion by 2030 and ensure remunerative prices for farmers.
2. Why was Nizamabad chosen as the headquarters for the National Turmeric Board?
Nizamabad, a key turmeric-growing region in Telangana, was selected due to its significant contribution to India’s turmeric production. The establishment of the board’s headquarters fulfills a long-standing demand of local farmers, who have sought better support for branding, marketing, and exports. It also aligns with a key election promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
3. What are the key initiatives of the National Turmeric Board?
The board focuses on promoting R&D for high-yielding turmeric varieties, establishing a value chain for packaging, branding, marketing, and exports, and eliminating farmers’ reliance on middlemen. It will provide training in best practices to meet export standards, promote organic turmeric with GI tag certification, and open branch offices of Bharat Organic Cooperative Limited and Bharat Cooperative Exports Limited in Nizamabad to boost exports.
4. How will the National Turmeric Board benefit farmers?
The board aims to financially empower turmeric farmers by ensuring fair prices, with 2025 rates at ₹18,000 to ₹19,000 per quintal and an expected increase of ₹6,000 to ₹7,000 per quintal within three years. It will enhance market access, reduce dependency on middlemen, and provide skill development programs. The ₹200 crore funding will support crop quality improvement, R&D, and farmer welfare.
5. What is the significance of the $1 billion export target by 2030?
The $1 billion export target by 2030 reflects India’s ambition to strengthen its position as the world’s largest turmeric exporter, with over 62% of global trade. The National Turmeric Board will drive this goal by promoting value-added products, improving quality standards, and expanding markets in countries like Bangladesh, UAE, USA, and Malaysia, aligning with India’s vision to become a global spice hub.
