Reduced Trading in Turmeric Due to High Prices
New Delhi. Turmeric prices have recently reached record highs, with a sustained upward trend observed in both futures and spot markets. According to sources, trading activity in the spot market has slowed down at current price levels. Traders believe that after such a one-sided rally, a short-term correction—a dip in prices—is likely. However, given low stock levels and concerns regarding potential crop damage, prices are expected to rise again in the coming days. By the end of this week, turmeric prices in the futures market showed some softening. The December futures contract for turmeric opened at ₹28,306, climbed to a high of ₹29,550 mid-week, and eventually closed at ₹28,740. The April futures contract opened at ₹25,812 and closed the week at ₹28,730.
Trading activity at markets in the producing regions remained subdued this week, largely because most markets were closed for two to three days at the beginning of the week due to the Diwali festival. Following Diwali, however, 'Muhurat' (auspicious) trading took place at high price levels.
It is worth noting that while turmeric was sown over a larger area this season, the crop suffered damage due to a lack of water following the sowing phase. This has negatively impacted production, leading traders to estimate that the upcoming harvest will be lower compared to the previous year.
Notably, total turmeric production in the country was 90–95 lakh bags in 2025, which has since declined to 80–85 lakh bags for 2026.
Arrivals
Arrivals at markets in the producing regions remained low throughout the current week. According to the information received, arrivals in Erode stood at 1,000–1,200 bags, while in Nizamabad, they were 800–1,000 bags. The Sangli market remained closed. Arrivals in Nanded were 700–800 bags, in Hingoli 2,000–2,500 bags, and in Basmat 1,800–2,000 bags.
No significant decline expected
Well-informed sources suggest that a major decline in current turmeric prices is unlikely. This is because stocks at production centers are low, and there is still about a three-month wait before the new crop arrives. The new crop is expected to begin arriving in the Nizamabad region around January–February. Currently, turmeric prices are at record levels. In the Delhi market, the price for 'single-polished' turmeric (whole/rhizome) is quoted at ₹245–246, compared to ₹184–185 in September. At production centers, the price for turmeric rhizomes is ₹220–222 in Erode and ₹228–230 in Nizamabad. In Hingoli, the price is ₹225–230, and in Basmat, it is ₹230–235. Sources believe that, given the current situation, turmeric prices are likely to remain firm in the coming days. Furthermore, export demand is expected to improve, partly due to the month of Ramadan falling in January.
Exports
According to data released by the Commerce Department of India, turmeric exports remained steady during the first five months of the current financial year, 2026–27. Reports indicate that turmeric exports from April to August 2026 totaled 80,211 tonnes. Meanwhile, exports for the April–August 2025 period stood at 80,157 tonnes. Total turmeric exports for the year 2025–26 (April–March) amounted to 175,896 tonnes, compared to 176,294 tonnes in 2024–25 and 162,019 tonnes in 2023–24. In 2022–23, exports reached 170,094 tonnes, while in 2021–22, they stood at 152,758 tonnes.
