Collective efforts vital to make turmeric globally competitive: Tummala

Hyderabad: Minister for Agriculture Tummala Nageswara Rao said that collective efforts are needed to elevate the turmeric grown in the country to a level where it can compete in global markets. Participating in the Turmeric Value Chain Summit – 2025, jointly organised by CII Telangana and the National Turmeric Board in Hyderabad on Wednesday, the Minister spoke extensively on the welfare of turmeric farmers, value addition, and export opportunities.

The Minister recalled that the state government had recently announced the Agri Vision 2047 at the prestigious Telangana Rising Global Summit. He stated that this vision views agriculture not merely as a welfare sector, but as a major engine for the state's economic growth.

The Minister said that turmeric also has a role to play in the government's Agri Vision. "Although the National Turmeric Board, a long-cherished aspiration of Nizamabad farmers, has been established, it needs to become fully operational," Tummala said.

He urged that the board should function not merely within the confines of its office, but as an institution that guides farmers on policy matters, takes research to the farmers' fields, and provides leadership in marketing, branding, and exports.

Despite the favorable climate and hardworking farmers in Telangana, the Minister expressed concern over the decrease in turmeric cultivation area due to price fluctuations. He stated that farmers are spending Rs. 8,000–9,000 to produce one quintal of turmeric, but the market prices are only around Rs. 12,000, which is discouraging the farmers.

Tummala Nageswara Rao urged the National Turmeric Board to work in line with its Vision 2047 and provide price stability and advance market signals to the farmers.