With Turmeric Board set to be a reality, no yellow twist this time

Subject : Polity

Section: National body

About Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the ginger family. The plant’s underground stems or rhizomes have been used as a spice, dye, medicine, and religious maker since antiquity.
Climate: It requires temperatures between 20 and 30 °C (68 and 86 °F) and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive.
Largest Producer: India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world. Turmeric occupies about 6% of the total area under spices and condiments in India.
Largest Producer State: Telangana was the leading producer of turmeric in India during 2018. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu were second and third in the ranking that year.
Significance: The spice’s color comes mainly from curcumin, a bright yellow phenolic compound that has been in the news for its ostensible potential to fight cancer. As a result, the demand for turmeric with high curcumin content has risen.

About National Turmeric Board

Nature: It is not a statutory body.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Composition of the National Turmeric Board

Chairperson appointed by the Central Government, responsible for providing strategic direction to the Board’s activities.
Secretary appointed by the Department of Commerce, responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Board.
Board Members
Ministry Representatives: Officials from the Ministry of AYUSH, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Commerce & Industry of the Union Government to provide governmental perspective.
State Government Representatives: Senior officials from three states on a rotational basis to ensure regional perspectives are considered.
Research and Industry Experts: Representatives from select national/state institutions involved in turmeric research and industry.
Turmeric Stakeholders: Representatives from turmeric farmers and exporters to represent the interests of the community.

Objectives of the National Turmeric Board

Increasing Awareness and Consumption

The Board will initiate awareness campaigns highlighting the health and wellness benefits of turmeric, aiming to increase its consumption within India.
Collaborate with the Ministry of AYUSH to promote the use of turmeric in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda.

Developing International Markets

Conduct market research to identify potential international markets for turmeric and its products.
Facilitate the participation of Indian turmeric exporters in international trade fairs and exhibitions.
Collaborate with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to negotiate favourable trade agreements that benefit turmeric exports.

Research and Development

Invest in research and development to create new turmeric-based products, exploring both culinary and medicinal applications.
Document and preserve traditional knowledge related to turmeric for future generations while ensuring its ethical use.

Capacity Building and Skill Development

Organize training programs for turmeric growers, focusing on modern cultivation techniques, sustainable farming practices, and post-harvest handling.
Provide workshops to enhance the skills of farmers in areas like organic farming, pest management, and irrigation practices.

Ensuring Quality and Food Safety

Develop and enforce quality standards for turmeric and turmeric products to meet international regulations.
Implement food safety measures across the turmeric supply chain to ensure the products meet high-quality standards.