About National Turmeric Board:
- It will focus on the development and growth of turmeric and turmeric products in the country.
- It will especially focus on capacity building and skill development of turmeric growers for harnessing greater benefits out of value addition.
- The Board will also promote quality and food safety standards and adherence to such standards.
- Composition
- The Board shall have a Chairperson, who will be appointed by the Central Government.
- It will have members from the Ministry of AYUSH, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Commerce & Industry of the Union Government, and senior State Government representatives from three states (on a rotation basis).
- Select national/state institutions involved in research, representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters.
- The Department of Commerce will appoint a Secretary.
- The Ministry of Commerce will be the nodal department providing funds and infrastructure for the NTB, which will look into increased demand, usage, production, research, market linkage, exports and so on.
Key facts about Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
- It is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae).
- Climatic conditions required
- Soil and climate: A friable well-drained red loamy soil in wet or garden lands under tropical conditions is ideal.
- Rain: Regions receiving an annual rainfall of 1500 mm can support its growth.
- Temperature: range of 20 to 35 °C.
- India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world.
- The largest producing states of Turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
