Kavitha Welcomes Establishment of Turmeric Board in Nizamabad

Hyderabad: BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha welcomed the establishment of the Turmeric Board, but stressed that it is not the ultimate solution for the welfare of turmeric farmers. She called for a three-pronged approach that includes the immediate implementation of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs15,000, stricter import restrictions, and robust support for turmeric-based industries to ensure sustainable growth.

Addressing media persons here today, Kavitha emphasised the long-standing demand for an MSP of Rs15,000 and urged the Central Government to prioritise this critical step. She also called on Congress to focus on bringing turmeric-based industries to Nizamabad to create jobs and drive economic growth. Highlighting the 800-acre land allotted for an airport in Jakranpalli under KCR’s regime, she demanded its swift development and urged the Centre to ensure it does not remain an empty election promise.

Kavitha highlighted the critical importance of supporting farmers during off-season periods when market prices are unfavourable. "When turmeric is in season, prices naturally take care of farmers. It’s yellow gold. But it’s during the off-season that they need us the most, and that’s when an MSP becomes essential," she said. She also urged both the government and the Opposition to work together to ensure farmers' welfare, emphasizing that collective efforts are necessary to truly benefit them. She criticised that the Turmeric Board was inaugurated, excluding the State government and local representatives, including the State agricultural minister, and noted that such actions have not gone unnoticed by the public.

Recounting her efforts for turmeric farmers, Kavitha shared her long-standing connection with them, dating back to before 2014. Farmers had been advocating for a turmeric board for over a decade, but both Congress and BJP failed to deliver despite making promises. “Taking up their cause, I pledged to address their concerns if elected as an MP. From 2014 to 2018, I worked tirelessly to establish a Turmeric Board, writing letters to Nirmala Sitharaman, meeting the Prime Minister twice, and pushing for a spices park and turmeric-based industries.” Kavitha pointed out the negative impact of cheap turmeric imports on domestic farmers, which had doubled since the BJP came to power in 2014. Imports, which stood at eight lakh quintals in 2014, have continued to rise, creating significant challenges for local farmers. She criticized BJP for failing to curb imports and urged them to prioritise farmers' welfare over political stunts.

She also took a dig at MP Aravind’s contradictory stance, recalling how they promised in 2019 to establish the Turmeric Board within five days, only to later claim that the Spice Board was a better alternative. However, even the Spice Board was not delivered under their leadership. Reflecting on her tenure as an MP, she credited her extensive efforts for securing a separate place for the Spices Board and criticized the BJP for attempting to take credit for initiatives launched during KCR’s time.