National Turmeric Board

• Recently, the Government of India has established the National Turmeric Board.
• India is presently the world’s largest producer (75% of global turmeric production), consumer, and exporter of turmeric
• Composition of the Board: A Chairperson (appointed by the Central Government) and members from the Ministry of AYUSH, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Commerce & Industry, etc. along with rotating senior State Government representatives from three states.
• The Board is expected to help develop and grow the spice market in India, which controls over 62% share of the turmeric world trade.
• The largest producing states of Turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

ABOUT TURMERIC CROP

• Scientific name- Curcuma longa
• It is a plant in the ginger family which is native to Southeast Asia.
• Favourable Agricultural conditions include-
  • tropical conditions,
  • 20–35 degree Celsius
  • Annual rainfall of 1500 mm or more.
  • Well-drained sandy or clay loam soils.
• Application– Turmeric is used in traditional Indian medical systems, cosmetic industries, Detoxify the liver, exhibit properties like antiviral, analgesic, antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory etc.