Context:

• On October 4, 2023, the Government of India notified the constitution of the National Turmeric Board.
• The National Turmeric Board will provide leadership in matters related to turmeric, strengthen efforts and facilitate greater coordination with the Spices Board and other government agencies in the development and growth of the turmeric sector.

Key points:

• The National Turmeric Board will increase awareness and consumption of turmeric and develop new markets internationally to increase exports.
• The National Turmeric Board will have a Chairman appointed by the Central Government, members from the Ministry of AYUSH, representatives from the Central Government including the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Commerce and Industry and representatives (on rotation basis) from the three State Governments.
• Whereas a secretary will be appointed by the Commerce Department.
• The Board, under the Union Ministry of Commerce, will be dedicated to the development and growth of turmeric and turmeric related products in India.
• After the formation of this board, the export of turmeric from India is expected to increase to 1 billion dollars by 2030.

 India's position in turmeric production:

• India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world.
• In  2022-23, turmeric was cultivated in an area of 3.24 lakh hectares in India with a production of 11.61 lakh tonnes (more than 75% of global turmeric production).
• More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown in India and it is grown in more than 20 states of the country.

 Important exam facts

Turmeric:

• Turmeric is an Indian plant.
• This is a plant of ginger species growing up to 5-6 feet tall in which turmeric is found in the root nodes.
• Apart from turmeric, in ancient medicine texts it has been given the names Haridra, Curcuma Longa, Gauri, Krimighna Yoshitpriya, Hattavilasani, Hardal, Kumkum, Turmeric.
• It is often used in food for flavour or colour.
• A chemical called curcumin is found in turmeric. Curcumin gives yellow colour to turmeric and reduces inflammation.
• According to the research done by scientists on turmeric, it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-cancer, antitumor, hepatoprotective (liver-protecting properties), cardioprotective (heart-protecting properties) and nephroprotective (kidney-protecting properties). It has properties that protect it from harm.

Largest producing state of turmeric

• Maharashtra,
• Telangana,
• Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu