The Telangana Congress Kisan Cell has lauded the establishment of the National Turmeric Board (NTB) headquartered in Nizamabad, calling it a milestone in addressing a long-standing demand of turmeric farmers from north Telangana.
Speaking at Gandhi Bhavan on Wednesday, MLC T. Jeevan Reddy said that the formation of the Board was the culmination of over two decades of struggle by farmers.
“There has been a persistent demand for a Turmeric Board with Nizamabad as its base. This promise, made in 2022, has now been realised. We welcome this development,” said Mr. Reddy, acknowledging Congress’s role in advocating the board. He cited Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao’s letter to the Prime Minister and Union Agriculture Minister in February 2024 urging its establishment.
The Congress leader emphasised the need for comprehensive support to farmers, including a robust marketing system, godowns, cold storage facilities, and a minimum support price (MSP). He also underlined the importance of reviving sugar factories in the State. Mr. Reddy said that the Congress government had set up the turmeric research station at Kammarpally. He also observed that the farmers must get ₹15,000 per quintal to make turmeric farming a remunerative crop.
Telangana Seed Corporation Chairman S. Anvesh Reddy, who also hails from Nizamabad district, echoed the same sentiments, noting that turmeric cultivation had declined sharply from 1.10 lakh acres in 2014-15 to 42,000 acres due to inadequate MSP and insufficient crop research.
“The Board’s establishment and appointing a local leader, Palle Ganga Reddy, as chairman are positive steps. However, a dedicated office, separate funds, and facilities for the Board must be prioritised,” he said.
Mr. Reddy criticised the Central government for allegedly making the inauguration a partisan event rather than a government occasion.
Published – January 15, 2025 11:25 pm IST
