Bumper Turmeric Production is Expected in Andhra Pradesh, India
Guntur becomes A Key Player in Turmeric Production.
Turmeric production in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district is projected to increase significantly this year. This has renewed optimism among farmers, who anticipate higher earnings due to the expected bumper crop. Guntur is known as Andhra Pradesh's largest turmeric-producing district. The main turmeric market in the region is located in Duggirala, where turmeric is a major commercial crop. The total area under turmeric cultivation is spread over 4,348 acres in the former Guntur district, with 1,881 acres in Guntur, 1,645 acres in Bapatla, and 820 acres in Palnadu.
The crop is grown across multiple mandals, including Tadepalli, Mangalagiri, Kollipara, Duggirala, Tenali, Medikonduru, and several others. Despite Guntur's reputation as a turmeric hub, cultivation of this essential crop has declined sharply in recent years. The primary reason has been the low prices offered to farmers, which have discouraged many from growing it. However, this year is different, and the outlook is much more positive.Rising Turmeric Prices and Increased Demand
One key reason behind the renewed interest in turmeric cultivation is the sharp rise in prices. According to experts, this price hike is primarily due to a reduction in cultivation and growing foreign demand for turmeric. The increased prices have drawn more farmers back to turmeric cultivation, especially those who had previously stopped growing it due to poor market conditions. A farmer from the Guntur district shared his experience, noting that turmeric prices have not been this favorable since 2010. He explained that, with the higher prices, he has decided to cultivate turmeric again during the current Kharif season. If this trend continues, the farmer and many others like him expect to see substantial profits in the coming season.Turmeric Seed Demand and Farming Techniques
As turmeric production gains momentum, the demand for turmeric seeds has also surged. Farmers are actively seeking high-quality rhizomes for planting. To cultivate one hectare of turmeric, approximately 2,500 kg of rhizomes are needed. The quality of these rhizomes plays a critical role in ensuring a good crop yield. The treatment process for these rhizomes involves soaking them in a 0.3 percent mancozeb solution for 30 minutes, followed by drying them in the shade for three to four hours before planting. Due to the increased demand, the price of turmeric seeds has risen dramatically. Despite the higher costs, farmers remain optimistic about the future.Expected Turmeric Production
The expected bumper turmeric production in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district is a positive development for both farmers and exporters. With rising prices and increased global demand, turmeric cultivation is once again becoming profitable. For exporters, this season presents a significant opportunity to expand into international markets. The growing interest in turmeric, combined with favorable market conditions, signals a promising outlook for the industry. As the season unfolds, the turmeric market is poised to provide strong returns for all stakeholders involved.