Decline in Turmeric Prices: But No Major Slump Expected

08-May-2026 07:21 PM

New Delhi. During the current week, turmeric prices traded with a soft undertone. Although the arrival of new turmeric at markets in key production centers did not meet expectations, prices remained subdued due to sluggish demand in the spot market. Sources suggest that a significant further decline in current prices is unlikely, as the bulk of the arrivals has already commenced in the major producing regions of Erode, Nizamabad, and Sangli. In the coming days, only the Marathwada region is expected to witness substantial turmeric arrivals, while arrivals in other areas have already begun to taper off. Due to adverse weather conditions, turmeric production during the current season is unlikely to meet initial expectations. It is noteworthy that while turmeric sowing in production centers covered an area 30–35% larger than that of the previous year, adverse weather following the sowing period has damaged crops in all regions—with the exception of the Erode belt. Consequently, the country's total turmeric production this year is projected to be limited to approximately 80–82 lakh bags, compared to last year's output of 70–75 lakh bags.

Reduced Arrivals

According to informed sources, daily turmeric arrivals in the markets along the Nizamabad belt have dropped to a mere 4,000–5,000 bags, as the majority of the produce has already reached the markets. Sources estimate that approximately 9–10 lakh bags of turmeric have already arrived in the Nizamabad region, against a total estimated production of 12–13 lakh bags. Similarly, in the Erode region, arrivals have reached approximately 8–9 lakh bags, while the total production is estimated to be around 13–14 lakh bags. Reports from the Sangli region indicate that approximately 70–75% of the produce has already arrived, against an estimated total yield of 10–12 lakh bags for the current year. Meanwhile, the arrival of new turmeric in the Marathwada region is not increasing as expected, as farmers have begun to withhold their produce due to prevailing low market prices. Arrivals at the Nanded market are currently averaging 4,000 to 5,000 bags, whereas at Basmat, arrivals are running at 8,000 to 10,000 bags. Arrivals in Hingoli also remain limited. On the Marathwada belt, turmeric production for the current year is estimated at 3 to 3.2 million bags. Furthermore, on the Warangal and Duggirala belts, arrivals are lower than projected estimates. Arrivals in Warangal stand at 2,500 to 3,000 bags, while in Duggirala, they are at 1,500 to 2,000 bags.

Prices

During the current week, turmeric prices were quoted with a bearish trend. Due to weak demand and subdued prices in the futures market, turmeric rates at producer-centric markets declined by ₹200 to ₹300 per quintal. In the Delhi market as well, the price for 'Single Polish Gathha' (whole turmeric) has dropped to ₹150–₹152, down from the ₹155–₹156 range quoted in recent days. Market sources suggest that there is little likelihood of any further significant decline in current prices. This is because, owing to lower production yields and depleted stock levels, prices are expected to firm up in the coming days.

Exports

According to data released by the Spices Board, during the first ten months (April–January 2026) of the current financial year (2025–26), turmeric exports totaled 151,933 tonnes, generating export revenue of ₹2,445.51 crore. In comparison, during the April–January 2025 period, turmeric exports stood at 148,691 tonnes, yielding export revenue of ₹2,425.87 crore. For the entire year 2024–25, total turmeric exports amounted to 176,325 tonnes.