HYDERABAD, MAY 12, 2026: The National Turmeric Board organised a Farmers’ Awareness Programme and Market Linkage Session on Turmeric at Siripuram, Marpally Mandal in Vikarabad district on 12 May 2026. The programme brought together turmeric farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), exporters, industry stakeholders and officials to discuss quality standards, value addition and improved market access for turmeric growers.
Addressing the gathering, Bhavani Sri, Secretary, National Turmeric Board, emphasised the importance of backward integration and aligning production practices with international market requirements. She stated that global consumers increasingly demand complete traceability from farm to fork, making coordinated efforts across the supply chain essential. She observed that better price realisation for farmers and consumer health are closely interconnected and cannot be treated separately.
The Secretary highlighted that export regulations in the European Union and the United States are periodically revised, requiring Indian exporters and farmers to remain updated and compliant. She pointed out that export rejections due to pesticide residues, contaminants, Sudan dye and Ethylene Oxide continue to be a major concern and urged stakeholders to ensure rigorous testing and compliance before consignments reach international markets.
Smt. Bhavani Sri also underlined the importance of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), including judicious use of pesticides, proper cleaning and washing of turmeric rhizomes, scientific boiling and curing methods and proper storage practices. She stated that value addition can significantly improve farmers’ incomes and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to promoting traceability systems and scientific post-harvest management practices at the grassroots level.
She further briefed farmers on various benefits available through the National Turmeric Board, including subsidy support for post-harvest machinery, training programmes, research and development assistance and interventions aimed at improving post-harvest processing and marketing.
Speaking on the occasion, Sattar, District Horticulture and Sericulture Officer, encouraged farmers to adopt Good Agricultural Practices, scientific cultivation methods and value addition techniques to improve the quality and marketability of turmeric produce. He also stressed the importance of inter-departmental convergence and collaboration for the holistic development of the turmeric sector.
Agricultural Market Committee Chairman Mahender Reddy appreciated the National Turmeric Board’s efforts in reaching farmers in remote areas. He highlighted the need for stronger market linkages and improved price realisation mechanisms to ensure turmeric growers directly benefit from the increasing global demand for Indian turmeric.
A leading turmeric exporter participating in the session stressed the importance of strict adherence to international quality standards for sustaining competitiveness in global markets. The exporter noted that higher curcumin content and quality compliance directly contribute to better prices for farmers and encouraged growers to focus on quality-oriented cultivation practices. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks followed by lunch.
