Amit Shah Inaugurates National Turmeric Board HQ

In a landmark moment for Indian agriculture, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the National Turmeric Board headquarters in Nizamabad, Telangana, on June 29. The event saw the presence of key leaders, including Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Home Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar. This inauguration marks the fulfillment of a 40-year-long demand by turmeric farmers, particularly from Telangana’s Nizamabad, known as India’s “turmeric capital.”

A Landmark Step for Turmeric Cultivation

During his address, Shri Amit Shah highlighted the significance of this moment for millions of turmeric farmers. He acknowledged Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to the farming community, stating that this long-standing demand has finally been addressed, with the National Turmeric Board now being a reality.

Shri Shah emphasized that though turmeric has been cultivated in Nizamabad for centuries, its reach into global markets has been limited. With the operationalization of the board, he assured that within 3-4 years, Nizamabad’s turmeric will make its presence felt in international markets, adding a global dimension to India’s turmeric trade.

Breaking the Middlemen Monopoly

One of the most notable benefits of the board, according to Shri Shah, is the elimination of middlemen. Farmers, who often lose a large portion of their earnings to intermediaries, will now have direct access to packaging, branding, marketing, and export mechanisms. This shift is expected to boost farmer incomes significantly and improve transparency in the trade.

Turmeric: The Golden Spice with Global Potential

Shri Shah elaborated on the medicinal qualities of turmeric, calling it a “wonder drug”. Known for its anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, turmeric is already used globally in wellness and healthcare sectors. He emphasized that even a small quantity of turmeric can provide multiple health benefits, strengthening its position as a superfood worldwide.

Boosting Exports and Setting Global Standards

The Government of India has set an ambitious goal of achieving USD 1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030. Shri Amit Shah stated that the National Turmeric Board will work not only to boost exports but also to ensure:

• Global quality and safety standards,
• Attractive and efficient packaging,
• Market expansion through branding and promotion, and
• Skill development and training for farmers.

Additionally, GI-tagged organic turmeric production has begun, opening up more premium market segments for Indian turmeric.

R&D and Infrastructure Development

The board will also invest in research and development to further validate and publicize the medicinal benefits of turmeric. The aim is to scientifically promote turmeric’s efficacy and thereby increase its global acceptance and demand.

Shri Shah also highlighted that Telangana’s districts—Nizamabad, Jagtial, Nirmal, and Kamareddy—rank among the top turmeric producers in India. During 2023-24, turmeric was cultivated on 3 lakh hectares nationwide, resulting in a yield of approximately 10.74 lakh tonnes. With this robust production and strong institutional backing, India is well-positioned to lead the global turmeric market.

A Brighter Future for Farmers

In a significant statement, Shri Shah noted that turmeric farmers in 2025 received ₹18,000 to ₹19,000 per quintal, and with the new initiatives, they could see an increase of ₹6,000–₹7,000 per quintal over the next three years.

He also highlighted the creation of National Cooperative Exports Limited for export-oriented farmers and National Cooperative Organics Limited for those engaged in organic farming. These cooperatives will support farmers at multiple levels, from cultivation to commerce.

Promise Fulfilled, Future Secured

Shri Amit Shah concluded by reaffirming that Prime Minister Modi’s governance is marked by fulfilling promises, and the formation of the National Turmeric Board is a testament to that principle. The initiative is expected to uplift lakhs of turmeric farmers, integrate Indian turmeric with global markets, and enhance the country’s agricultural prosperity.

This landmark development not only recognizes turmeric’s cultural and economic value but also charts a robust path toward self-reliant and globally competitive agriculture.