PIB Summaries 15 January 2025

Content:

• Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal launches National Turmeric Board 
• Allocation of targets of 8.21 lakh houses under PMAY-G by Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Union Minister for Rural Development

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal launches National Turmeric Board 

Context: The National Turmeric Board (NTB) has been launched by the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, with its headquarters in Nizamabad, Telangana. The board aims to boost turmeric production, ensure farmer welfare, enhance exports, and develop new varieties for global markets.

Relevance : GS 3(Agriculture , Economy)

Establishment of National Turmeric Board (NTB):

• Headquarters: Nizamabad, Telangana – a major turmeric-growing region.

Objectives of the Board:

• Welfare of turmeric farmers across 20 states.
  • Focus on research and development (R&D) for high-yield and high-quality turmeric varieties.
  • Value addition for turmeric products to boost exports.
  • Creation of awareness about the health and medicinal properties of turmeric.
  • Ensuring quality and safety standards for turmeric production and export.

India’s Dominance in Turmeric Production:

• India produces 70% of the world’s turmeric.
  • In 2023-24, 3.05 lakh hectares were under turmeric cultivation, yielding 10.74 lakh tonnes.
  • India exported 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric products valued at 226.5 million USD.

Participants and Representation:

• Ministry of AYUSH, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Department of Commerce are part of the Board.
  • Maharashtra, Telangana, and Meghalaya will have rotating state representatives on the Board.
  • Lakadong Turmeric from Meghalaya, known for its high curcumin content, will be a priority.

Significance of the National Turmeric Board:

Farmer Welfare and Livelihoods : Turmeric cultivation is a major source of livelihood for farmers in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

• The Board will focus on:
  • Fair pricing mechanisms.
  • Improved logistics for marketing and distribution.
  • Insurance schemes to reduce risks for turmeric farmers.

Boosting Exports and Trade :

• Turmeric holds immense potential in the global health and wellness industry due to its medicinal properties.
• The Board will:
  • Focus on value-added products like curcumin extracts, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals.
  • Explore new markets, especially in Europe and North America, where turmeric is increasingly used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Promoting Research and Innovation :

• The Board will invest in R&D to:
  • Develop new high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties.
  • Enhance curcumin content (a key compound in turmeric with medicinal properties).
  • Promote organic farming practices to meet global demand for chemical-free turmeric.

Enhancing Logistics and Supply Chains:

• Turmeric farmers face challenges related to:
  • Inadequate storage facilities.
  • High transportation costs.

The Board aims to:

• Develop cold storage infrastructure.
  • Improve supply chain mechanisms to reduce wastage and improve shelf life.

Major Turmeric-Producing States in India:

Challenges Faced by the Turmeric Sector:

Global Demand for Turmeric:

• The global turmeric market is expected to grow significantly, driven by demand for natural health supplements, cosmetics, and food additives.
• India, with its 62% share in global turmeric trade, stands to benefit from targeted interventions in production and export.

Government Schemes Supporting the Turmeric Sector:

Way Forward:

Improving Farmer Income:

• The Board should prioritize minimum support prices (MSP) and direct benefit transfer (DBT) to turmeric farmers.

Creating Export-Ready Products:

• Focus on value-added products such as turmeric capsules, essential oils, and curcumin extracts to cater to the global health industry.

Addressing Farmer Challenges:

• The Board should implement farmer training programs to improve agricultural practices and increase awareness about export markets.

Strengthening Quality Standards:

• Introduce GI tags for unique varieties like Lakadong Turmeric to improve branding and recognition.

Allocation of targets of 8.21 lakh houses under PMAY-G by Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Union Minister for Rural Development

Context: Union Minister for Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, has allocated 8.21 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) to Madhya Pradesh on 15th January 2025. The government aims to achieve “Housing for All” by constructing 4.95 crore pucca houses by March 2029 under the scheme.

Relevance: GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Infrastructure)

Approval of Additional Targets:

• 2 crore additional houses sanctioned for 2024-25 to 2028-29 under the new phase of PMAY-G.
  • Total financial outlay: ₹3.06 lakh crore.

Achievements Under PMAY-G (National Level):

• Target: 3.33 crore houses.
  • Sanctioned: 3.23 crore houses.
  • Completed: 2.69 crore houses.
  • Financial disbursement: ₹2.37 lakh crore since 2016.

Progress in Madhya Pradesh:

• Target: 41.68 lakh houses.
  • Sanctioned: 41.51 lakh houses.
  • Completed: 36.80 lakh houses (88% completion rate).

Allocation of 8.21 Lakh New Houses (2025-26):

• Based on the Awaas+ 2018 survey, 16.42 lakh households in Madhya Pradesh are still awaiting houses.
  • 8.21 lakh houses to be allocated on 15th January 2025, with a time-bound completion target.

Financial Support to Madhya Pradesh (2024-25):

• Total central assistance: ₹3,726 crore.
  • ₹2,165 crore disbursed on 7th January 2025 for the first installment.
  • Additional ₹4,934 crore to be released upon timely fund utilization.

Technological Advancements in PMAY-G:

Awaas+ 2024 Mobile App:

• Launched by PM Narendra Modi on 17th September 2024.
  • Utilizes AI-based facial recognition for accurate beneficiary identification.
  • 2.5 lakh surveyors trained for efficient implementation.

Convergence with Other Schemes:

• PMAY-G beneficiaries benefit from:
  • MGNREGA (for labor assistance).
  • Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (toilet construction).
  • Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
  • Jal Jeevan Mission (for tap water connections).
  • PM-Surya Ghar Yojana (solar energy for households).

Achievements in Madhya Pradesh:

• 36.37 lakh toilets constructed under SBM-G.
  • 35 lakh houses electrified.
  • 74% of PMAY-G houses under women’s sole or joint ownership.

Challenges in PMAY-G Implementation:

Significance of PMAY-G:

Boosting Rural Development :

• The scheme aims to provide pucca houses with basic amenities to rural families living in kutcha houses.
• Focuses on housing security, which contributes to improved living standards, health outcomes, and social dignity.

Empowering Women :

• 74% of houses are under women’s sole or joint ownership, promoting gender equality and women empowerment.

Addressing Rural Housing Gap :

• The additional allocation of 2 crore houses will fill the housing gap and ensure no rural household remains without a pucca house by 2029.

Technological Integration for Transparency and Efficiency:

• Awaas+ 2024 app ensures real-time tracking, beneficiary identification, and transparency in fund allocation.
• Use of AI and facial recognition reduces leakages and ensures genuine beneficiaries receive benefits.

Way Forward:

• Timely Fund Utilization:
  • Madhya Pradesh needs to accelerate the utilization of allocated funds to ensure seamless implementation of the scheme.

• Convergence with Other Schemes:
  • Ensure integration with MGNREGA, SBM-G, and Jal Jeevan Mission for holistic rural development.

• Focus on Women’s Empowerment:
  • Continue promoting women’s ownership of houses to enhance social security and gender equality.

• Monitoring and Accountability:
  • Strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure quality construction and timely completion of houses.