1. India aims USD 1 bn turmeric export target by 2030: Amit Shah
2. National Headquarters of Turmeric Board inaugurated in Nizamabad

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the Centre has set a target of achieving USD one billion in turmeric exports by 2030.

Addressing a gathering after the inauguration of the National Headquarters of Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, he said the board would focus on packing, branding, marketing and export of the commodity.

The turmeric board would work towards ensuring remunerative prices for farmers, export of their produce, besides research and development, he said. “You will be surprised to know that the Indian government has set the goal of exporting USD one billion worth of turmeric by 2030. And, we have also made full preparations to achieve the goal of exporting USD one billion to international markets. The (Turmeric) board that will be formed will work to ensure that the highest price of turmeric reaches the farmers,” he said. Shah further said, during the 2023 assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to establish a 

Turmeric board in Telangana, and orders in this regard were issued later. Earlier, Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy and other leaders received Amit Shah when he arrived at Hyderabad's Begumpet airport.

Taking to X, BJP's Telangana unit earlier on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had earlier announced the establishment of the turmeric board has now fulfilled the dream of farmers as per the word given to them.

PM Modi has allocated Rs 200 crores to improve the quality of turmeric crop, carry out research and to improve farmers' income, it said.

The establishment of the Turmeric Board has been a major demand of the turmeric farmers in Nizamabad and it was also a key election issue.

BJP Lok Sabha member from Nizamabad D Arvind, who had promised to set up the turmeric board, had defeated BRS MLC and then Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter K Kavitha in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He was re-elected in 2024.

Turmeric farmers hopeful for a better future

Turmeric farmers in the state have welcomed the decision of a turmeric board and with the inauguration of the National Headquarters of Turmeric Board in Nizamabad the demand for a Board that started in 2006 has fructified. Speaking to Metro India, Kotapati Narasimham Naidu, founder-president of the Telangana Turmeric Farmers Association said, “The Board will create a demand and facilitate export subsidy. There is hope that an eco-system would be created with support to farmers, robust marketing system, godowns, cold storage facilities and a minimum support price. (MSP).

Ravi, a turmeric farmer sated, “Farmers cannot purchase harvesting machines that run into lakhs of rupees. Now, there is hope that loans would be provided as there is a dedicated board for turmeric.”  Kotapati Narasimham says, “In the past the proposals would be ignored and the Spices Board prioritized Kerala. Moreover, there were 52 spices in all that come under the Spices Board. Now, with a Turmeric Board in place, the interest of Turmeric farmers would be taken care of.”

India accounts for 70% of global turmeric production with Telangana’s contribution crucial. More than 3 lakh hectares are under turmeric cultivation in India. The increasing cost of cultivation and the lack of remunerative price for turmeric forced farmers to shift to other crops but now with Nizamabad playing host to the headquarter to the Turmeric Board, a golden future is well in sight. 

Amit Shah rules out talks with Maoists Tells them to give up arms, join mainstream

Hyderabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday ruled out any talks with Maoists and said the cadre of the proscribed outfit should give up arms, surrender before police, and join the mainstream. Addressing a rally after inaugurating the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad in Telangana, Shah also said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is still raising questions on Operation Sindoor, should see the weak appearance of Pakistan to understand the effectiveness of the operation.

“Congress asks (the Centre) to hold discussions with these people (Maoists). Our government's policy is 'no talk' with those who hold arms. Give up weapons, surrender, and join the mainstream,” Shah said. He further said that about 10,000 people in the Northeast gave up weapons and joined the mainstream.

They even contested elections held for positions ranging from the Taluk level to state assemblies. Similarly, more than 2,000 Maoists have surrendered in the past one and a half years.

“Give up weapons and surrender. If you don’t surrender, we have decided that before 31 March 2026, naxalism will be finished in this country,” the Home Minister said.