Wed Jan 22 01:47:46 IST 2025: **Telangana Turmeric Farmers Celebrate Victory After Two-Decade Long Fight for National Board**

NIZAMABAD, TELANGANA – A long-standing dream for turmeric farmers in Telangana has finally come to fruition with the inauguration of the National Turmeric Board (NTB) in Nizamabad on Sankranti. The board, headquartered in the region known for its extensive turmeric cultivation, aims to boost exports, promote research and development, and add value to turmeric products.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the NTB, fulfilling a nearly two-decade-old demand spearheaded by farmers and organizations like the Swadeshi Jagran Manch. The demand, initially raised in 2006, highlighted the need for better prices and an exclusive board to support the crop.

India, the world’s leading turmeric producer (70% of global production), exported 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric and related products valued at $226.5 million in 2023-24. Telangana plays a crucial role in this production, with 3.05 lakh hectares under turmeric cultivation nationwide. The NTB’s establishment is expected to significantly impact this already substantial industry.

The creation of the NTB was also a significant political event. BJP MP Dharmapuri Arvind, who made the establishment of the board a key election promise, secured a victory partially attributed to this commitment. The issue became a major point of contention during the 2019 and 2024 general elections.

While celebrating the NTB’s inauguration, farmers and political parties alike are now calling for additional support measures including a Minimum Support Price (MSP) to stabilize fluctuating market prices and further bolster the industry. Concerns remain regarding adequate infrastructure, budgetary allocation, and the overall effective functioning of the newly established board. The immediate priorities include securing funding for the board’s operations, developing research and development centers, and upgrading existing infrastructure like the Kammarpally Research Centre.

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