
Turmeric prices are approaching Rs 19,000 a quintal in Erode, Tamil Nadu, driven by a decline in arrivals and dwindling old stocks, bringing relief to farmers. At Tuesday's (6 October 2026) auction at the Erode regulated market, finger turmeric fetched between Rs 14,044 and Rs 18,850 a quintal, while bulb turmeric sold between Rs 10,599 and Rs 17,429.

Farmers attribute the reduced supply to drought in the Lower Bhavani and Kalingarayan irrigation areas, which has led some growers to shift to alternative crops. Prices had touched Rs 20,000 a quintal in 2024 before falling with increased arrivals, but began recovering in September as arrivals slowed. With the Vijayadashami and Deepavali festivals approaching, demand is expected to rise further, potentially pushing prices up.
The price recovery signals a reversal from the slump earlier in 2026, when finger turmeric fell to Rs 12,589 a quintal in July. The supply squeeze from drought-hit areas in the Lower Bhavani and Kalingarayan zones may persist if irrigation does not improve, keeping arrivals low. The approaching festival season could test how much further demand can lift prices before they hit a ceiling set by buyers' willingness to pay. The next auction volumes in Erode will show whether the recovery has legs.
Source: thehindu.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.