Why in the news?
Recently, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, inaugurated the National Turmeric Board (NTB).
About the NTB
- Aim: To provide leadership on turmeric related matters, augment the efforts, and facilitate greater coordination with Spices Board and other Government agencies in development and growth of the turmeric sector.
- Headquarters: Nizamabad, Telangana
- Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- Composition:
- Chairperson to be appointed by the Central Government
- Members from the Ministry of AYUSH, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Commerce & Industry of the Union Government
- Senior State Government representatives from three states (on rotation basis),
- Select national/state institutions involved in research
- Representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters
- A Secretary to be appointed by the Department of Commerce.
About Turmeric
- A rhizome (underground stem) often referred to as the "Golden Spice"
- Climatic Condition: Grown in diverse tropical conditions
- Temperature range: 200-350C
- Annual rainfall: 1500 mm or more.
- Soil: Thrives best in well-drained sandy or clay loam soils
- Properties:
- Active ingredient in turmeric called curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Traditionally used for disorders of the skin, upper respiratory tract, joints, digestive system etc.
- A natural indicator that changes color depending on the pH of a solution.
- Active ingredient in turmeric called curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric production in India
- Area under turmeric cultivation: 3.05 lakh hectare with 30 varieties (2023-24)
- Production: 70% of global turmeric production
- Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh together contribute 63.4% of India's turmeric production.
- Export: >62% share of world trade in turmeric
- The leading export markets for Indian Turmeric are Bangladesh, UAE, USA and Malaysia.
- Turmeric in India with GI Tag:
- Maharashtra: Sangli Turmeric, Waigaon Turmeric
- Tamil Nadu: Erode Manjal (Erode Turmeric)
- Meghalaya: Lakadong Turmeric