Regional Spice Board likely in Nizamabad

New Delhi: A turmeric board to the state is now ruled out. Union Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal on Tuesday announced that a Regional Spice Board would be set up in one of the biggest municipal towns.

Though he did not name Nizamabad, in all probability it would be set up in Nizamabad only.

The minister said the spice board will focus on the welfare of turmeric farmers. "The board will assist in all possible ways to export the crops harvested by the farmers and the government will also hold a meeting with farmers and international buyers to get higher prices to the farm produce." Goyal said.

The minister made this announcement after a meeting with Nizamabad MP and BJP leader D Arvind. It may be recalled that during Lok Sabha election campaign in 2019, Arvind had promised to get turmeric board for the farmers.

Goyal said that the Centre had decided to transform the office of spice board division of Nizamabad, Karimnagar and Adilabad into a regional office and announced setting up of an extension office in Nizamabad.

A director-level officer would oversee the regional office and will directly report to Union Ministry. The Board would focus on turmeric crops along with other spices, he added.

A special centre is being set up for sale and purchase of mirchi, turmeric and spices. The regional office of the Board would work with farmers on improving the yields and farmers to meet with international buyers to help them get higher prices, he said.

The minister said the Board will oversee the turmeric crop quality and its exports. The decision would benefit the farmers of Nizamabad, Adilabad and Karimnagar districts, the Centre feels.