Telangana Governor Launches Sunhari Mitti Abhiyan for Turmeric Farmers

Addressing a farmer interaction programme organised at the National Turmeric Board (NTB) headquarters in Nizamabad, the Governor said the welfare of farmers was fundamental to the prosperity of both the State and the nation.

He also launched the ‘Sunhari Mitti Abhiyan’ and a market linkage programme in the presence of turmeric farmers and felicitated outstanding farmer organisations with mementos.

Shukla said Nizamabad had earned a special place in the country’s turmeric sector owing to its fertile soil and the hard work of its farmers. The establishment of the National Turmeric Board headquarters in Nizamabad marked a significant milestone and fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of turmeric farmers in the region, he said.

The Governor said the establishment of the Board had been made possible through the special initiative of MP Dharmapuri Arvind and the support and blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister had undertaken several initiatives to make agriculture more remunerative and improve the livelihoods of farmers, he said.

“Turmeric is not merely an agricultural commodity. It is deeply intertwined with India’s culture, traditions, Ayurveda, spirituality and everyday life,” the Governor said, describing it as an important symbol of India’s rich agricultural heritage.

He said the objective of the National Turmeric Board was not merely to retain India’s position as the world’s largest turmeric producer, but also to develop the country into a global hub for turmeric processing and value-added products.

Ensuring remunerative prices for turmeric growers and strengthening the global identity of Indian turmeric should remain key priorities, he said.

The Governor appreciated the initiatives of the National Turmeric Board in providing farmers with training in quality improvement, modern agricultural practices and post-harvest management.

Facilities such as boilers, polishers and mini-processing units would help farmers and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) move towards value addition and improve their incomes, he said.

Describing the ‘Sunhari Mitti Abhiyan’ as a forward-looking initiative, Shukla said it would promote natural farming and contribute to export promotion.

Reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and other external inputs could help improve soil health, protect the environment and reduce cultivation costs, he said.

There was growing demand in international markets for residue-free and high-quality turmeric. Greater emphasis on quality would enable farmers to secure better prices and expand their access to overseas markets, he added.

The Governor said market linkage initiatives would play a crucial role in connecting farmers directly with leading exporters and making them more responsive to market requirements.

Farmers should be given greater awareness of quality standards and market demand, while FPOs should be provided with appropriate guidance and support to establish direct market linkages, he said.

“Farmers, scientists, exporters, industry and government working together can further strengthen the position of Indian turmeric in markets across Asia, Europe and the United States,” Shukla said.

Describing farmers as the backbone of the country’s agricultural economy, the Governor urged them to adopt modern technologies, focus on quality production and strengthen collective marketing mechanisms to improve their incomes and competitiveness.

He called for building an agricultural ecosystem inspired by the spirit of ‘Annadata Sukhibhava’, in which farmers prosper, soil remains healthy and India strengthens its leadership in global agricultural markets.

Dharmapuri Arvind said the establishment of the National Turmeric Board with Nizamabad as its headquarters had fulfilled a four-decade-long aspiration of turmeric farmers in the region.

The Board’s presence in Nizamabad would bring several benefits to turmeric farmers, he said, adding that turmeric prices had improved compared to the past.