Context:
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry launches National Turmeric Board.
National Turmeric Board (NTB):
- An executive body (not a Statutory Body).
- Headquarters – Nizamabad, Telangana
- Functions under – Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Composition –
- Prominent Members – Representatives of Ministry of AYUSH, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Department of Commerce.
- States will be represented on the Board by rotation.
Turmeric Industry in India:
- India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric globally.
- Accounts for 70% of global production & 62% of global trade.
- Leading states – Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- Major varieties – Erode Turmeric (Tamil Nadu), Lakadong Turmeric (Meghalaya), Kandhamal Haldi (Odisha).
- Leading export markets – Bangladesh, UAE, USA and Malaysia
Turmeric:
- Also called ‘Golden Spice’
- Native to – Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
- Curcumin – A major component of turmeric that gives turmeric its yellow color.
- Significance – Has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying properties.
- Climatic conditions – Prefers tropical and subtropical climates
- Temperature – Between 20°C and 30°C.
- Rainfall – Between 1,500 to 2,500 mm annually.
- Soil – Well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements:
1. The Tea Board is a statutory body.
2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
4. The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 4
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
The Tea Board is functioning as a statutory body of the Central Government under the Ministry of Commerce. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
Its headquarters is located in Kolkata. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.