National Turmeric Board

• 16 Jan 2025

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry launched the National Turmeric Board (NTB) with its headquarters at Nizamabad, Telangana. 

What are Key Facts About the National Turmeric Board? 

• About: It has been established to promote the cultivation, production, processing, and marketing of turmeric in India and enhancing the income of turmeric farmers. 
  • The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has increased its product-dedicated boards to six, after tea, coffee, rubber, spices, and tobacco. 
• Board Representation: The Board will consist of a Chairperson appointed by the Central Government with representatives of the Ministry of AYUSH, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Department of Commerce, along with rotating senior representatives from three states. 
• Key Objectives: Farmer welfare across 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and others. 
  • Promoting research, new products, and value addition for domestic and international markets. 
  • Raising awareness about turmeric’s medical benefits. 

What are Key Facts About Turmeric? 

• About: Turmeric is an underground stem of the Curcuma longa plant, which is part of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae).  
  • Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, gives it its yellow color and is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial benefits. 
• Cultivation: India grows over 30 varieties of turmeric across 20+ states, with major production in Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. 
• Global Position: India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric globally. 
  • In 2022-23, India produced over 75% of the world's turmeric and holds 62% of the global export market. 
• Export Performance: In 2022-23, India exported 1,53,400 tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at USD 207.45 million. 
  • Key export markets include Bangladesh, UAE, the US, and Malaysia. 
• GI Tag: Lakadong turmeric (Meghalaya), Kandhamal turmeric (Odisha), Erode turmeric (Tamil Nadu), Armoor turmeric (Nizamabad, Telanagan) among others have got GI tag. 
  •  A GI tag is a label given to a product linked to a specific region, with qualities or characteristics unique to that area. 
• Medical Benefits: Turmeric, with its active compound curcumin, helps reduce inflammation, neutralize free radicals, and support digestive health by promoting bile production. 

Note: India ranked the world's 8th largest agricultural exporter in 2023 despite a decline in exports from USD 51.12 billion in FY23 to USD 48.77 billion in FY24. 

• India is targeting a significant boost in its organic produce exports, aiming to triple the value to Rs 20,000 crore within the next three years. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims 

Q. Consider the following: (2018)

1. Areca nut 
2. Barley
3. Coffee 
4. Finger millet
5. Groundnut 
6. Sesamum
7. Turmeric

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has announced the Minimum Support Price for which of the above? 

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 7 only  

(b) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only 

(c) 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only  

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 

Ans: (b) 

Q. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists: (2008)

List-I	List-II
(Board)	(Headquarters)
A. Coffee Board	1. Bengaluru
B. Rubber Board	2. Guntur
C. Tea Board	3. Kottayam
D. Tobacco Board	4. Kolkata

   

Code: 

     A B C D 

(a) 2 4 3 1 

(b) 1 3 4 2 

(c) 2 3 4 1 

(d) 1 4 3 2 

Ans: (b)