In a landmark move to uplift turmeric farmers and amplify India’s global spice footprint, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana on June 29, 2025.
The initiative, hailed as a major fulfillment of a 40-year-old demand, is expected to transform the turmeric economy in Telangana and across India. Speaking at the inauguration, Amit Shah affirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has delivered on his promise to millions of turmeric cultivators, especially those from the turmeric-rich districts of Nizamabad, Jagtial, Nirmal, and Kamareddy.
“This board will ensure turmeric from Nizamabad reaches global markets within 3–4 years,” Shah announced, adding that the complete ecosystem—from packaging to branding and exports—will now be handled efficiently, freeing farmers from the grip of middlemen.
The National Turmeric Board aims to:
- Boost turmeric exports to $1 billion by 2030
- Set up international marketing and branding channels
- Ensure quality control and adherence to global standards
- Train farmers for export-readiness and harvesting best practices
- Promote turmeric’s medicinal value globally
Shah noted that in 2025, turmeric prices reached ₹18,000–19,000 per quintal, and with better infrastructure and export support, farmers can expect an increase of ₹6,000–₹7,000 per quintal in the next three years.
He also highlighted turmeric’s unique health benefits—anti-viral, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory—which make it a “wonder drug” on the global stage. Special focus will also be given to GI-tagged organic turmeric and research into its health applications.
To further support export-driven farming, Shah mentioned the establishment of two key cooperatives by the Modi government: National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) and National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL).
In 2023–24, India cultivated turmeric over 3 lakh hectares producing 10.74 lakh tonnes. With formal export channels and centralized support now in place, the golden spice is set to shine brighter than ever on the global market.
Source: Press Information Bureau
