ERODE: The procurement price of turmeric (finger variant) at the Erode market crossed Rs 22,000 per quintal on Tuesday, the highest in recent years. Farmers and traders state that prices have risen due to drought and a drop in arrivals. Before this, in 2024, the procurement price crossed Rs 21,000.
On Tuesday, the price of turmeric (finger variety) in the Erode market rose to Rs 22,989 per quintal. On Monday, finger variety's maximum procurement price was Rs 20799. Similarly, the price of bulb variety has also increased. On Monday, its price reached Rs 19,011 on Tuesday, the maximum price rose to Rs 19,699.
M Sathyamurthy, secretary of the Erode Turmeric Merchants' and Godown Owners' Association, said, "This is the first time the procurement price has crossed Rs 22,000. Drought conditions are currently prevailing in many areas where turmeric is cultivated, including Erode. Due to this, cultivation has decreased this year. Additionally, cultivated turmeric crops have also been affected by the drought."
"Usually, the new turmeric season begins in February and lasts until June. There is speculation among farmers and traders that the arrival of fresh turmeric may decrease during the season. Consequently, many are starting to stock turmeric now, anticipating higher prices. As a result, arrivals at Erode markets have currently declined. Arrivals have decreased by 25% compared to usual," he added.
Sathyamurthy stated that this same price rise prevails in other major turmeric markets, such as Nizamabad, in Telangana, and Sangli, in Maharashtra, as well as in Erode.
He also informed that this price rise is also prevailing on the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX). "We believe that the rainfall in the coming days will bring about fluctuations in turmeric prices," he added.
S Periyasamy, president of Lower Bhavani Ayacut Land Owners' Association, said, "Drought conditions in major turmeric-producing states, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra, are the reason for the rise in turmeric prices. Severe drought conditions also prevail in Erode. The cultivated turmeric crops on my farmland have also been affected due to a lack of water."
"Most farmers in Erode district have sold their turmeric. However, a small number of farmers still hold some stock. This price increase will benefit them. With the festive season approaching, the price of turmeric is likely to rise to up to Rs 30,000 per quintal," he added.
The price of turmeric (finger variety), which stood at Rs 15,199 per quintal on June 19, 2026. At the same time, on April 20, 2026, the price of turmeric stood at Rs 14,000 per quintal," market sources said.
A senior official of Horticulture and Plantation Crops of Erode said, "Turmeric cultivation has decreased slightly this year due to drought in the district."