In a landmark move fulfilling a 40-year-old demand of turmeric farmers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana. This fulfills a promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, under whose leadership the board has now become a reality.

Joining Shah on the occasion were Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and several senior dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah emphasized that the creation of the board will empower turmeric farmers, especially in Telangana, by eliminating middlemen. The board will handle the entire value chain, including packaging, branding, marketing, and export, to ensure better returns for farmers.

Highlighting the medicinal properties of turmeric, Shah referred to it as a “wonder drug” with anti-viral, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory benefits that are gaining global recognition. He added that the Centre has set a target to scale turmeric exports to $1 billion by 2030, with preparations already underway.

The board will also focus on quality control, standard compliance, and research and development to further explore turmeric’s therapeutic potential.

Shah also noted that turmeric prices in 2025 have reached ₹18,000–₹19,000 per quintal, and the government aims to increase this by ₹6,000–₹7,000 over the next three years.

In support of farmers, the government has also launched the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) and the National Cooperative Organs Limited (NCOL) to promote exports and organic farming.