Good increase expected in turmeric sowing area

28-May-2025 04:27 PM

Nizamabad. Despite turmeric prices remaining stable at lower levels in the domestic market over the past few months, a significant increase in its sowing area is expected.

In the Duggirala wholesale market of Andhra Pradesh, about 50-55 percent of the turmeric crop has already been traded.

Harvesting and crop preparation are still underway in the region, ensuring a steady supply during June. As a result, market activity is expected to remain active for the next few weeks, even though the marketing season is nearing its end.

After the India-Pakistan dispute, export demand for turmeric weakened. The discontinuation of road connectivity with Bangladesh has forced shipments to switch to sea routes, increasing transportation costs for buyers.

Despite this, India's turmeric export performance was strong last year. According to Spices Board data, turmeric exports from India rose by 12 percent to 1.61 lakh tonnes during April 2024 to February 2025 compared to the same period in 2023-24. Revenue from these exports jumped by 60 percent to $311.58 million.

Producers have enjoyed better income over the past two years, which has kept their interest in turmeric cultivation high.

With favorable pre-monsoon rains in key producing states and the arrival of the southwest monsoon, farmers are well-positioned to begin field preparations and start sowing early.

Turmeric sowing began as early as April this year in the Nizamabad division, and data on sown area is expected by the end of June.

Nationally, the turmeric cultivation area is projected to increase by 20-25 percent, with some analysts predicting a rise of up to 30-35 percent.

A clearer picture of the sowing area will emerge by September, and the arrival of new crops is expected to begin in December.

According to the Union Agriculture Ministry, domestic turmeric production rose from 10.63 lakh tonnes in the 2023-24 season to 11.16 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.