Establishment of the National Turmeric Board UPSC

Description

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Context: The National Turmeric Board was established by the Government of India for the development and growth of the turmeric sector in the country.

Details

The National Turmeric Board focuses on increasing awareness and consumption of turmeric, developing new international markets, promoting research and development, and enhancing value-added turmeric products to align with the global interest in the health benefits of this spice.

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.

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.

Current Status of Turmeric Production and Export

Production

In 2022-23, turmeric was cultivated over 3.24 lakh hectares in India.
India produced 11.61 lakh tonnes of turmeric, contributing to over 75% of the global turmeric production.
More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown across 20 states.
The largest producing states of Turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Export Statistics

During 2022-23, India exported 1.534 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at 207.45 million USD.
Major export destinations included Bangladesh, UAE, USA, and Malaysia.
India holds over 62% share of the world trade in turmeric.

Export Targets and Future Outlook

With the focused efforts of the National Turmeric Board, India aims to increase turmeric exports to USD 1 Billion by 2030.
The Board’s activities are expected to not only boost exports but also ensure sustainable growth by maintaining high-quality standards, fostering innovation, and empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs.

Turmeric

●Turmeric is typically grown in tropical countries, such as India, Indonesia, and China. However, it can also be grown in subtropical countries, such as the United States and southern Europe, with careful management of the temperature and rainfall.

●It requires a warm temperature range of 20-35°C for optimal growth. Temperatures below 20°C can stunt growth, while temperatures above 35°C can cause the leaves to scorch and the rhizomes to shrink.

●It requires an annual rainfall of 1500 mm or more. However, the rainfall must be well-distributed throughout the growing season. Too much rain can lead to water logging, while too little rain can cause stress to the plants.

●It thrives best in well-drained sandy or clay loam soils with a pH range of 4.5-7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter.

●It has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine and is now gaining popularity around the world for its many health benefits.

Health Benefits

●Turmeric may help to boost the immune system and fight off infection.

●It contains a number of bioactive compounds, including curcumin, which is thought to be responsible for many of its health effects. Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and it has been shown to have a number of potential health benefits, including:

○Curcumin has been shown to protect the brain from damage and improve cognitive function. It may help prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

○Curcumin has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. It may help to prevent the development of cancer cells and slow the growth of existing tumours.

●It can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which may be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.

●It may help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of blood clots. It may also improve blood vessel function.

Conclusion

The National Turmeric Board's comprehensive approach encompasses promoting turmeric consumption, developing international markets, investing in research, enhancing the skills of growers, ensuring quality and safety, and creating a sustainable future for the turmeric industry in India. Through these initiatives, India seeks to solidify its position as a global leader in turmeric production and exports.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What is the current market scenario for agricultural exports from India, and what are the significant challenges and untapped potential areas that the country's agriculture export industry needs to address and explore to enhance its global competitiveness?