Turmeric Hits Record High of Over ₹23,000 per Quintal in Erode Amid Drought

Turmeric fetched a peak of over ₹23,000 per quintal at the Perundurai Regulated Market on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the highest level in recent years. At the same market finger turmeric traded between ₹15,336 and ₹23,099 a quintal, while bulb turmeric ranged from ₹15,099 to ₹19,626. A week earlier at the Erode Regulated Market finger turmeric was priced between ₹13,509 and ₹19,244 and bulb turmeric between ₹7,599 and ₹17,729. The weekly maximum for finger turmeric rose by ₹3,855 and for bulb turmeric by ₹1,897. M. Sathyamurthy, secretary of the Erode Turmeric Merchants and Godown Owners' Association, said drought in Marathwada, Nizamabad and parts of Tamil Nadu has slashed planted area by 20% to 30% and will cut next year’s output further. He added that the Bhavanisagar dam is not releasing water to the Lower Bhavani Project and Kalingarayan canals, depriving key irrigation zones. Rain from the northeast monsoon, expected later this week, could ease the shortage. Turmeric futures for April 2027 on the NCDEX were quoted between ₹24,000 and ₹25,000 a quintal, showing bullish sentiment. Sathyamurthy warned that the November crop outlook and a possible El Niño influence will shape prices in the coming months. Some farmers holding stock are holding back sales, hoping for higher prices. ## Context Turmeric is a key cash crop for Tamil Nadu’s Erode district, where many smallholders depend on its sale for livelihood. Drought‑driven falls in sowing area routinely push market prices upward, while futures contracts let traders bet on future supply gaps. The upcoming monsoon and El Niño are typical weather factors that can swing the crop’s performance.