Centre urged to establish National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad

 Minister for Agriculture Tummala Nageshwar Rao officially requested the Central government to establish the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad. In his letter on November 13, Rao emphasised that the establishment of the board in Nizamabad would fulfil a long-standing aspiration of turmeric farmers in the State, noting the government’s ongoing efforts to advocate for the welfare of these farmers by actively pursuing discussions with relevant central departments.
The Minister highlighted Nizamabad as the principal turmeric-producing district in Telangana, where farmers have, for over a decade, persistently appealed to the Central Government for a minimum support price and the creation of a National Turmeric Board. He emphasised that such a board would greatly benefit farmers by promoting turmeric cultivation, increasing export opportunities, and supporting the production of value-added turmeric products.
In addition to turmeric, Rao shed light on the significant coconut cultivation in Telangana, particularly in Bhadradri Kothagudem and Khammam districts, which account for 75 per cent of the state’s coconut cultivation over 3,300 acres. He expressed the need for a dedicated Regional Coconut Development Board in Bhadradri Kothagudem to support farmers with technical advice, pest management, and production of quality coconut seedlings.
He also highlighted Telangana’s progress in palm oil cultivation, with 91,200 hectares currently under cultivation and plans to expand by 40,000 hectares each year. Rao stated that Telangana aims to lead the nation in palm oil production. He advocated for the establishment of a regional oil palm research centre in the state to provide scientific guidance to farmers, noting that the Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research currently offers support across the country, but a dedicated centre in Telangana would greatly benefit local farmers.