With Turmeric Board set to be a reality, no yellow twist this time
- November 26, 2023
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
No Comments
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.