Turmeric Market Prices Keep Falling; Telangana Farmers Protest

Turmeric prices in Telangana have sharply dropped below USD 1,20 per kg, prompting widespread farmer protests in major turmeric-producing regions like Nizamabad. Compared to last year's peak of USD 2,40 per kg, prices have now fallen by 17–27%, varying with quality and variety.

This year, turmeric cultivation in Telangana covered 42,000 acres, with expected production of 125,000 tonnes. Currently, prices range from USD 0,84–1,32 per kg, making it difficult for farmers to recover even basic costs.

Current Turmeric Prices in Major Markets

Farmers Face Major Losses

Telangana farmers spend around USD 1,800 per acre on turmeric cultivation, but current earnings are only USD 840–1,200 per acre, leading to severe financial losses.

Farmers Demand Government Intervention

Farmers are urging the Telangana and central governments to purchase turmeric at USD 1,80 per kg under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has appealed to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, asking for NAFED's involvement to ensure fair prices.

Predicted Turmeric Prices for Early 2025

Prof. Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTSAU) forecasts turmeric prices will remain steady between USD 1,26–1,32 per kg from February to April 2025.

India Remains World’s Top Turmeric Producer

India contributes 80% of global turmeric output, totaling 1,1 million tonnes annually, making it the dominant global supplier.

Slight Decline in India’s Turmeric Exports

Turmeric exports from India dropped to 162,000 tonnes in 2023-24 from 170,000 tonnes the previous year.

India's Turmeric Production Estimates (2023-24)

According to the Central Government’s estimates, India's turmeric production totaled 1,075,000 tonnes in 2023-24, with major contributions from:

Political Reactions to Falling Prices

Former MP Kalvakunta Kavitha criticized the Congress-led Telangana government and the NDA-led central government for failing to support turmeric farmers. She highlighted unfulfilled election promises made by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Revanth Reddy, who pledged prices of USD 1,80 per kg but have yet to act.

Farmers remain anxious, awaiting government action to address their losses and stabilize turmeric prices urgently.