National Turmeric Board

National Turmeric Board : Recently, the Union Home Minister inaugurated the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana, marking a significant step in strengthening support for turmeric farmers in India.

• About National Turmeric Board : Established to promote the cultivation, production, processing, branding, and marketing of turmeric in India (under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry)

o Board Composition : Chairperson , Secretary and other representatives from:

ü Ministry of AYUSH

ü Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Commerce & Industry

ü Senior officials from three turmeric-producing states (on a rotational basis).

ü Members from leading national and state-level research institutions.

ü Turmeric farmers and exporters to ensure grassroots-level representation.

• About Turmeric : Underground stem (rhizome) of the Curcuma longa plant, belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae).

o Its active compound, curcumin, gives it a bright yellow color and provides anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.

o Cultivation in India: Grown in over 20 states with 30+ varieties. Major turmeric-producing states: Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

o India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric.

o Several regional varieties of turmeric have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, including: Lakadong (Meghalaya), Kandhamal (Odisha), Erode (Tamil Nadu) and Armoor (Nizamabad, Telangana)