Fri Apr 11 15:55:52 UTC 2025: ## Turmeric Takes Center Stage: India Aims for Global Dominance

**Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh –** The National Turmeric Board (NTB) announced ambitious plans to boost India’s turmeric exports and introduce “Golden Milk” to airline and train passengers at a conclave held Friday. Chairman Palle Ganga Reddy revealed a target of ₹5,000 crore in exports by 2030, a significant increase from the current ₹1,876 crore.

The one-day conclave, organized by the National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture (NIRCA), focused on strategies to enhance the turmeric sector. Addressing labor shortages, Mr. Reddy announced collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development to integrate turmeric farming with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGS). He also urged Andhra Pradesh farmers to adopt high-curcumin seed varieties like ‘Lakadong’ (from Meghalaya) and ‘Rajapuri’ (from Konkan) for increased profitability.

NIRCA Director Maganti Sheshu Madhav highlighted efforts to secure Geographical Indication (GI) tags for Andhra Pradesh’s distinct turmeric varieties, promising support for farmers in Paderu, Lambasingi, Ravulapalem, and Duggirala through advanced technologies and high-curcumin seeds. He emphasized the importance of integrating science, tradition, and entrepreneurship to maximize the crop’s potential.

A strategy paper, “Crafting India’s Turmeric Sector for Global Dominance,” was released at the event. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute’s Director and Vice-Chancellor, Ch. Srinivasa Rao, stressed the need for strategic policy decisions in marketing and cultivation. The conclave also saw participation from representatives of the Rythu Nestham Foundation and Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University.

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