New Delhi: Turmeric prices are currently on an upward trend, with expectations of further increases. Although the area under cultivation has expanded in producing regions this year, concerns regarding crop damage have arisen due to a lack of water availability following sowing. Notably, the arrival of the monsoon was delayed this year, causing a lag in turmeric sowing. Furthermore, subsequent rainfall in producing states has raised the risk of damage to the sown crop. Additionally, stocks at production centers are estimated to be low relative to consumption. Consequently, turmeric prices in both futures and spot markets have surged during the current week. Sources believe that if rainfall does not occur soon in the producing regions, prices could rise further. Traders anticipate an increase of ₹8–10 per kilogram in the coming days. Currently, prices for 'Single Polished Gatha' (whole turmeric) in the Delhi market are quoted at ₹194–195 per kilogram and are expected to soon cross the ₹200 mark. Future price movements will largely depend on the weather conditions in September.

While turmeric prices are currently at record levels, market arrivals have declined due to depleted stocks at production centers. According to available data, arrivals at the Erode market stand at 3,000–4,000 bags, while Nizamabad is seeing arrivals of 800–1,000 bags. Arrivals in Sangli are around 3,500–4,000 bags; Hingoli and Basmat are recording 4,000–5,000 bags; and arrivals in Nanded have dropped to 1,000–1,500 bags.

Sources indicate that the area under cultivation has increased across all producing states because growers are receiving fair prices for their produce. Reports suggest a 20–25% increase in sowing in the Erode belt, while the Nizamabad belt has seen a 10–15% rise in cultivated area. Sowing has also increased by 10–15% in the Sangli belt. In the major producing region of Marathwada (Basmat, Hingoli, Nanded), sowing is reported to be up by 20–30%. However, concerns regarding potential crop damage due to the current lack of rainfall are now being raised. Sources believe that if adequate rainfall does not occur in the producing centers over the coming week, the sown crop is likely to suffer damage. It is worth noting that last year, too, turmeric was sown over a 30–35% larger area; however, adverse weather conditions damaged the crop, and production fell short of forecasts. Sources had anticipated a production of 90–95 lakh bags last season due to the increased sowing area, but actual production was limited to 80–85 lakh bags.

Industry sources state that turmeric prices are currently subdued. However, trade estimates suggest that prices may rise again in the near future because stocks are low relative to consumption. Current reports indicate total turmeric stocks stand at 38–40 lakh bags, whereas a requirement of 52–55 lakh bags is projected for the period leading up to the next harvest (the next seven months). Consequently, the outlook for turmeric remains positive.

According to data released by the Spices Board, turmeric exports totaled 33,999 tonnes during the first two months (April–May) of the 2026–27 fiscal year, generating export earnings of ₹575.92 crore. During April–May 2025, turmeric exports stood at 34,162 tonnes, generating earnings of ₹505.38 crore. In the 2025–26 year (April–March), total turmeric exports amounted to 175,896 tonnes, with earnings of ₹2,887.18 crore. In the 2024–25 year, exports stood at 176,325 tonnes, yielding earnings of ₹2,885.39 crore. A record export of 183,868 tonnes of turmeric was achieved during the 2020–21 year.