Understanding the National Turmeric Board
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement about establishing a National Turmeric Board in Telangana marks a pivotal step toward supporting turmeric farmers and strengthening the industry’s supply chain.
Location & Establishment: Telangana, 2023.
Objective: Focused on empowering turmeric farmers and enhancing the supply chain through value addition.
Support & Focus: Providing comprehensive assistance to turmeric farmers across various facets of crop cultivation.
Significance: Aims to address infrastructure needs, facilitate production to export, and conduct research for the turmeric sector, further elevating India’s position in the global market.
Significance and Impact
The establishment of the National Turmeric Board is set to bring about several noteworthy changes and benefits:
- Employment Opportunities: Through developmental projects, this initiative is poised to generate increased job prospects.
- Improved Lives: It directly contributes to enhancing the lives of the people involved in the turmeric industry.
Insights into Turmeric
Profile: Turmeric, including the renowned Lakadong variety, serves multiple purposes such as a condiment, dye, medicinal substance, and cosmetic element, along with its usage in religious ceremonies.
Key Component: Its vibrant color primarily comes from curcumin, a bright yellow phenolic compound.
Cultivation: Requires temperatures ranging between 20 and 30 °C (68 and 86 °F).
India’s Position in Turmeric Production
Leading Producer: India holds a dominant position as a major producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric.
Production Share: Approximately 80% of the world’s turmeric output is contributed by India, producing nearly 1.1 million tonnes annually.
Top Producing States: Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh hold the top positions in turmeric production.
Global Demand Surge: The recognition of turmeric’s health benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased its global demand, resulting in a rise in exports.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
Beyond its uses in cooking and cultural ceremonies, turmeric is also recognized for various health benefits, including its potential in combating:
- Depression
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Viral Infections
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- High Cholesterol
Relevant Previous Year Questions
- Fifth Schedule Inclusion Consequences: Pertaining to the Constitution, it prevents the transfer of land from tribal to non-tribal people.
- Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs): These specially recognized tribes have specific criteria, including a stagnant or declining population, with 95 officially notified PVTGs in India.
Conclusion
The establishment of the National Turmeric Board in Telangana is a significant leap towards empowering farmers and elevating India’s global standing in the turmeric market. As the demand for this versatile spice grows, it not only promises economic progress but also brings attention to the health benefits associated with turmeric.
For further details and insights into such socio-economic and agricultural developments, stay tuned for more updates.
Source: AIR (All India Radio)
