Ahead of the Telangana election, the Turmeric Board constituted
Context
The Centre notified the formation of the National Turmeric Board on Wednesday, a long-standing demand of turmeric producers across the country.
What is Turmeric and where is it farmed in India?
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a bright yellow spice that includes the medicinal compound curcumin. It has been used to treat a range of illnesses for over 4,000 years. It is used to treat pain and inflammation.
- Turmeric is the world’s largest producer, user, and exporter. Andhra Pradesh is India’s leading producer of turmeric, followed by Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Karnataka, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Kerala.
- Meghalaya, Maharashtra, and Assam are among the other states that grow turmeric.
- Andhra Pradesh alone accounts for 38.0% of land area and 58.5% of total production.
- Rhizomes are used to propagate turmeric. It features pale yellow flowers and long, broad, bright green leaves.
What are the benefits of Turmeric?
- Anti-Inflammatory: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation, which is a root cause of many diseases, including cancer.
- Antioxidants: Curcumin, found in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects.
- Lowers cholesterol: Turmeric can decrease blood cholesterol levels as well as inhibit plaque buildup in the arteries.
- Turmeric can protect against cardiovascular disorders such as cardiac hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, heart failure, stroke, aortic aneurysm, myocardial infarction, and diabetic cardiovascular problems.
What is the significance of the Turmeric Board?
- Turmeric Industry Development: The Turmeric Board is committed to the development and growth of the turmeric industry in India. Turmeric is an important spice and agricultural commodity in the country, with a long history. The Board’s efforts will aid in increasing the production, quality, and marketability of turmeric and its products, which is critical for the livelihoods of many farmers and industry partners.
- Coordination and Leadership: The Board acts as a centralized coordinating body for all turmeric-related issues. It works with several government departments and ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This collaboration allows a more targeted and efficient approach to tackling the turmeric sector’s issues and possibilities.
- Promoting Health Benefits: Turmeric is well-known for its health and wellness benefits, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. The Board’s efforts to raise awareness about these benefits may result in increased domestic consumption of turmeric and its derivatives, potentially enhancing public health.
- Export Growth: India is the world’s top producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric. The efforts of the Board targeted at growing international markets and increasing exports can have a substantial impact on the country’s foreign exchange revenues and economic growth. The target of USD 1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030 shows the potential economic benefit.
- Research and Innovation: The Board’s emphasis on R&D is critical to the industry’s long-term viability. New turmeric-based goods, breakthroughs in cultivation and processing processes, and the development of value-added products can all result from research. This can boost Indian turmeric’s competitiveness in the worldwide market.
How is the Turmeric Board going to help the farmers?
- Value Addition: The Board encourages farmers to engage in turmeric-related value-addition activities. This covers the preparation of turmeric into powders, extracts, and oils. Value-added goods have a higher market value than raw turmeric, allowing farmers to make more money from their harvest.
- Market Development: The Turmeric Board is in charge of creating and expanding domestic and worldwide markets for turmeric and turmeric products. Farmers can gain access to a larger client base and higher prices for their turmeric by generating new market opportunities and boosting existing ones.
- Quality assurance: Quality assurance is essential for market acceptance and premium pricing of turmeric. The Board promotes and enforces food safety and quality standards in turmeric production and processing. This assists farmers in producing turmeric that satisfies international standards, increasing its competitiveness in worldwide markets.
- Research and Innovation: The Board of Directors supports turmeric research and development endeavours. New turmeric cultivars with enhanced production and disease resistance, as well as innovative processing techniques, can be developed through research. Farmers can benefit from these improvements by incorporating them into their operations to increase productivity and profitability.
- Access to Government Support: Farmers now have improved access to government schemes, subsidies, and financial aid programs targeted at promoting agricultural development thanks to the Turmeric Board. The Board can act as a bridge between farmers and government agencies, assisting them in navigating bureaucratic processes and obtaining appropriate assistance.
- Awareness and Education: The Board works to educate farmers about the health and wellness advantages of turmeric. Educating farmers about turmeric’s nutritional and therapeutic benefits can motivate them to cultivate it more effectively and make more educated decisions about its production and marketing.
Conclusion
Overall, the National Turmeric Board provides a comprehensive platform for turmeric farmers to be empowered, improve their agricultural methods, raise their revenue potential, and have access to resources, markets, and expertise that can help them improve their livelihoods. By assisting farmers in this manner, the Board contributes to the prosperity and well-being of India’s turmeric farming community.
