Turmeric Prices Soften; Future Trends Depend on Sowing

05-Jun-2026 08:12 PM

New Delhi. Turmeric prices are currently trading lower due to subdued export demand and sluggish local offtake. Market arrivals remain limited. Sources indicate that farmers in the Marathwada region have restricted supplies due to the price drop; consequently, arrivals at the Basmat, Nanded, and Hingoli markets are falling short of expectations. Although turmeric availability in the Marathwada region is good, farmers are holding back stock in anticipation of higher prices. Notably, export demand remains low due to unrest in Middle Eastern countries.

Arrivals

Apart from Marathwada, the bulk of the produce has already arrived at markets in other growing regions. However, due to delayed arrivals, farmers in the Hingoli, Basmat, and Nanded belt of Marathwada still hold substantial stocks, which are expected to reach the markets once prices rise. Reports indicate that arrivals at the Nanded market stand at 3,000–4,000 bags, while Hingoli is seeing 5,000–6,000 bags. Basmat is recording arrivals of 4,000–5,000 bags. Additionally, arrivals are running at 4,000–5,000 bags in Erode, 2,000–2,500 bags in Nizamabad, and 3,000–4,000 bags in Sangli. Arrivals in Duggirala are around 1,200–1,500 bags. Sources state that arrivals in the Nizamabad belt have reached 10–11 lakh bags so far, against an estimated total production of 13–14 lakh bags. Similarly, arrivals in the Erode belt are estimated at 9–10 lakh bags, with total production pegged at 13–14 lakh bags. In the Sangli belt as well, it is estimated that 70–75 percent of the produce has already reached the markets. Production in the Sangli region is estimated at 10–12 lakh bags this year. In Marathwada, production is projected to be around 30–32 lakh bags; trade estimates suggest that 40–50% of the produce from the Marathwada region has already arrived in the markets.

Sowing

Sources indicate that turmeric sowing in the Nizamabad region will commence by the middle of this month. However, due to adverse weather conditions, sowing is forecast to be lower compared to last year. Last year, the area under cultivation was 30–35% higher.

Price Decline

Turmeric prices have been declining for some time. During the current week, prices have dropped by ₹200–300 per quintal at both producing-center markets and consumption centers. Prices in the futures market are also trending lower. Sources attribute this to weak local demand in addition to the impact on exports. Currently, the price of 'Single Polished Gatha' (whole turmeric) in the Delhi market is quoted at ₹145–146 per kg, down from ₹148–149 per kg at the end of May.

Exports

According to data recently released by the Spices Board, turmeric exports during the 2025-26 year (April–March) totaled 175,896 tonnes, generating revenue of ₹2,887.18 crore. In comparison, exports in 2024-25 stood at 176,325 tonnes, with earnings of ₹2,885.39 crore.