Telangana: In a major boost to India’s agricultural export potential and the welfare of turmeric farmers, 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 event marked a historic step in addressing a long-pending demand of turmeric farmers, especially from Telangana, and is expected to revolutionize the production, branding, and global marketing of Indian turmeric.
A 40-Year Demand Finally Realized
In his address, Shri Amit Shah emphasized that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has fulfilled a four-decade-old demand of turmeric growers by establishing a dedicated board to address their unique needs and ensure that Indian turmeric reaches international markets. “The farmers of Telangana, particularly in Nizamabad—known as the turmeric capital—have been waiting for this day for 40 years. Prime Minister Modi has kept his promise to them,” he said.
Boosting Farmer Incomes and Cutting Out Middlemen
Highlighting the operational goals of the newly formed National Turmeric Board, Shri Shah stated that the Board will implement a complete value chain — encompassing packaging, branding, marketing, export, quality control, and training. Once fully functional, the Board will ensure turmeric farmers are freed from middlemen, allowing them to receive fair and higher returns for their produce.
Shri Shah added that in 2025, farmers were able to sell turmeric at ₹18,000–19,000 per quintal, and efforts are underway to raise this to ₹25,000–26,000 per quintal within the next three years. “We are not only ensuring fair prices but also preparing farmers to meet international standards in harvesting and processing,” he asserted.
Global Export Targets and Medicinal Value Recognition
Underscoring the medicinal importance of turmeric, Shri Shah said, “Turmeric is known globally for its anti-viral, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a wonder drug, and its benefits are now being recognized worldwide.” He stressed that increasing global awareness and proper marketing could unlock immense export potential.
To this end, the Modi Government has set an ambitious goal of achieving $1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030. Necessary policy and infrastructural preparations are already underway to meet this milestone. The Board will also promote GI-tagged organic turmeric, expand awareness campaigns about its medicinal properties, and conduct research and development to scientifically document and promote its health benefits internationally.
Institutional Support: NCEL and NCOL
In addition to the Turmeric Board, Shri Shah highlighted the Prime Minister’s visionary steps in forming:
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National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) – to support farmers in exporting their produce efficiently
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National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) – to strengthen the organic farming ecosystem and ensure global outreach of India’s organic products
These organizations are aimed at creating a robust cooperative framework to empower farmers across India and maximize their income through institutional support and market linkages.
Telangana’s Dominance in Turmeric Cultivation
Shri Shah pointed out that Telangana is among India’s top turmeric-producing states, with key districts like Nizamabad, Jagtial, Nirmal, and Kamareddy contributing significantly. In 2023–24, turmeric was cultivated over 3 lakh hectares across the country, resulting in a total production of 10.74 lakh tonnes.
He added that with the establishment of the Board in Nizamabad, this region will soon emerge as the epicentre of India’s turmeric exports, connecting local produce to markets across the globe in the next 3–4 years.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was attended by several prominent leaders, including:
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Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines
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Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Union Minister of State for Home
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Local MPs, MLAs, senior officials, and farmer representatives
Their collective presence underlined the multi-ministerial support and national significance of this initiative.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Indian Turmeric
The inauguration of the National Turmeric Board marks a transformative chapter for Indian agriculture, particularly for turmeric farmers in Telangana and across the country. It reflects the Modi Government’s commitment to doubling farmer incomes, promoting agricultural exports, and leveraging India’s traditional strengths in natural medicine and organic produce.
As Shri Amit Shah noted, this initiative will not only uplift the lives of turmeric farmers, but also position India as a global leader in turmeric production and export. With clear timelines, institutional backing, and focused interventions, the dream of making Nizamabad the global turmeric hub is fast becoming a reality.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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