National Turmeric Board Aims to Boost Production and Exports

The establishment of the National Turmeric Board marks a significant step towards enhancing turmeric production and promoting research and innovation in India. With around 30 varieties of turmeric produced across 20 states, India leads the global market. However, the country faces stiff competition from Bangladesh, Fiji, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, which also produce high-quality turmeric with unique characteristics. A geographical indication (GI) tag could help Indian turmeric secure a stronger position in export markets.

What Is a GI Tag, and Why Does It Matter?

A GI tag is a distinctive sign that identifies products with specific quality, reputation, or characteristics linked to their geographical origin. It provides a guarantee of authenticity and quality, protecting products against counterfeiting during trade negotiations. However, while India has many unique agricultural products, only 654 GI-tagged products exist, with just 203 in agriculture. Among these, only six GI tags are related to turmeric, showing the untapped potential given India's 70% share in global turmeric production.

Expanding GI Tags for Turmeric: A Step Towards Value Addition

Initiatives like One District One Product (ODOP) highlight the diversity of Indian turmeric. Varieties such as Black turmeric (Odisha), Alleppey (Kerala), Pratibha (Telangana), Roma (Madhya Pradesh), and Duggirala (Andhra Pradesh) showcase unique traits. The Turmeric Board could identify turmeric with high curcumin content (over 5%) for GI tag applications. Supporting research and development (R&D) can help create more value-added products and boost market access domestically and globally.

Challenges and Opportunities: Beyond the GI Tag

While a GI tag enhances authenticity and marketability, it is not a quick fix for gaining price premiums or market access. The curcumin content in many GI-tagged turmeric varieties is below the 5% threshold, limiting appeal in international markets. The Erode Turmeric (2.5-4.5% curcumin) and Vasmat Haldi (3.4% curcumin) could benefit from quality improvements. Localized R&D, better soil management, and enhanced post-harvest processing can increase competitiveness.

Conclusion: GI Tags Can Strengthen India's Position in Global Markets

India can maximize turmeric exports by focusing on high-curcumin products and promoting R&D for value addition. Strategic GI negotiations in trade agreements could improve intellectual property (IP) protection and boost the marketability of Indian turmeric worldwide. The key to success lies in blending GI certification with stringent quality standards and innovative processing techniques.

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