India stands as the world's largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric and has taken a significant step to enhance and expand the turmeric sector with the establishment of the National Turmeric Board (NTB).
The nation’s turmeric farmers celebrated the Sankranti festival with joy this January 2025 as India’s Union Minister of Commerce and Industry officially opened the NTB, which has its headquarters in Nizamabad, fulfilling their nearly two-decade-long demand.
In 2023, India's turmeric and turmeric product exports amounted to around $212.65 million, with exports of approximately 167,281 metric tons. The country aims to surpass $1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030, and this initiative presents tremendous opportunities for global importers and exporters to capitalize on India’s turmeric production capability.
Let us delve into the future of cross-border turmeric trade and the opportunities gained by agro-importers and exporters with the establishment of the NTB.
A Bright Future for Turmeric Exports
The NTB’s primary measures of promoting research, improving logistics, ensuring food safety standards, and facilitating value addition are designed to enhance the quality and marketability of Indian turmeric in global markets.
The NTB contributions will increase the exports of roughly 30 turmeric varieties that are grown across 20 states, including Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
The Board is also in charge of advancing product research and development along with investigating the addition of value to turmeric-related products for global markets.
India contributes more than 75% of global turmeric production with an acreage of 3.05 lakh hectares and a yield of 10.74 LMT annually. The nation’s turmeric export market, which is valued at $207.45 million, still has major untapped potential despite the dominance.
Opportunities for Importers and Exporters
1. New & Expanding Global Markets: The NTB will work to develop new markets for India’s turmeric, especially in nation’s where awareness of the spice’s health benefits is growing. For importers in the regions, this would mean access to quality turmeric supported by safety and quality standards. Turmeric exporters can explore these new markets with the support of the NTB and ensure a standardized supply chain even against trade barriers.
2. Addition of Value-Added Products: A focus on value addition in turmeric creates opportunities for a variety of turmeric-derived products, with a focus on the new markets, such as turmeric powder, curcumin extracts, essential oils, and ready-to-use formulations. Exporters will be able to tap into the growing demand for the spice’s products in the health, wellness, and pharmaceutical sectors.
3. R&D: The NTB aims to foster innovation by leveraging traditional knowledge and modern research. Importers and exporters will be able to work on the formulation and development of multiple turmeric-based products to meet the rising global demand for functional foods as well as nutraceuticals.
4. Quality Development: An emphasis on maintaining quality as per food safety standards would allow Indian turmeric to command premium prices in demanding markets. Importers of turmeric from India will be able to completely rely on certified products as per global standards, while exporters can achieve higher margins by meeting the benchmark standards.
5. Supply Chain Managed by Better Logistics: A focus on improving logistics for turmeric exports will allow exporters to benefit from more efficient trade processes and ensure timely delivery for better shelf life for turmeric products. Importers will be able to gain access to fresh turmeric on time.
Major Export Markets
India’s major export destinations for turmeric include Bangladesh, the UAE, the USA, and Malaysia. These countries will represent significant opportunities for growth, especially as the demand for natural and organic spices rises. Importers of turmeric would be able to capitalize on India’s strong supply and quality, and exporters can work on deepening their presence exploration in the robust markets.
Exports to Key Destinations:
The primary countries importing Indian turmeric in 2023 were:
- Bangladesh: $36.9 million (38,800 metric tons)
- United Arab Emirates: $18.6 million (15,410 metric tons)
- United States: $18.4 million (8,318 metric tons)
- Malaysia: $11.2 million (7,967 metric tons)
- Morocco: $10.6 million (10,459 metric tons)
Empowering Turmeric Farmers
The NTB will also focus on capacity-building works for turmeric farmers by equipping them with the skills to enhance yield and adopt modern practices. The Board aims to bridge the gap between growers and global markets by ensuring competitive prices and market access. Farmers and exporters stand to benefit from this enhanced supply chain.
Conclusion: A Major Win for Global Turmeric Trade
The NTB’s establishment sets a new era for India’s turmeric sector with its comprehensive approach to improving turmeric production, quality, and market reach. The Board offers unparalleled new opportunities for turmeric importers and exporters alike. As India gears up to achieve its ambitious turmeric export target, Tradologie.com, a digital B2B agro exports and imports platform, can serve as a crucial bridge by facilitating seamless and secure negotiations and transactions between imports and exporters.
Whether you are an importer seeking premium-quality turmeric or an exporter aiming to expand your global footprint, now is the time to leverage India’s golden spice and skip any hassles or risks for growth and success with Tradologie.com, a platform designed in India for the world.