NEW DELHI, Oct 9: India has established a National Turmeric Board with a focus on the development of turmeric products.
The UAE is one of India’s four biggest export markets for turmeric in the world, along with Bangladesh, Malaysia, and the United States (US), Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported citing a press release from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
India holds the distinction of being the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric globally, accounting for 62 per cent of the world’s turmeric trade.
In the fiscal year 2022-23, which concluded on March 31, India exported 153,400 tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at US$207.45 million.
The UAE, being a crucial market, will be one of the key areas of focus for the new National Turmeric Board.
India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated in a press release, “With the focused activities of the Board, it is expected that turmeric exports will reach US$1 billion by 2030.”
According to the US government’s National Institutes of Health (NIH), “turmeric is a plant in the ginger family, and its underground stem is used as a culinary spice and in traditional Asian medicines.”
India cultivates 30 varieties of turmeric across 20 states.
Following the official notification of the Board by the Commerce Ministry, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, remarked, “by establishing the National Turmeric Board, we aim to harness the potential of our turmeric farmers and give them the support they deserve. The Board will focus on value addition to the supply chain worldwide.”
— BERNAMA-WAM