Special: Drought Conditions Threaten To Hit Turmeric Production

MUMBAI (Commoditiescontrol) - With the end of rainy season, the concerns on the face of the turmeric farmers are clearly visible.

The farmers facing the shortage of rains are now very worried because their fields are facing drought due to lack of rainfall.

It is noteworthy that the major producing areas of turmeric in Maharashtra are seen to have severe drought. Given the above situation, the state government has been forced to declare many districts as drought-prone. Apart from this, the condition in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is also not normal. While, drought conditions are becoming more severe in the area of ​​Kadapa.

This time around 25 percent more sowing was reported in Maharashtra, but due to drought, the area could be shrunk till last year level. If there is no rain in the next few days, area will shrink further. It should not be surprising if turmeric prodction this year may remain at last year level. According to many farmers and traders this year production in Maharashtra can be less than last year. Well this is a distant thing right now.

Besides, about 15 lakh bags of production was being reported in Tamil Nadu during sowing period, but as the time has passed, the estimates of production for this season are declining. Just 1 month ago the production figure came down to 13-14 lakh bags and now it seems possible to only 9-11 lakh bags.

In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the situation is normal. But, there is no possibility of higher production there. So, it appears that the production of the previous year may be repeated this season.

At present, the total stock of turmeric in the spot market is about 20 to 22 lakh bags. In the next 2 months, about 7 to 8 lakh bags may be consumed, which will lead to a total carry forward stock of around 14 to 15 lakh bags (the above figure is the maximum) for the next year. Due to which the total supply of turmeric in the coming year can be around 85 to 87 lakh bags (70 kg each). Annual average consumption of Indian turmeric in domestic and international markets is around 84 to 86 lakh bags. If we look at the data, then supply and demand can be almost the same. (Note: The above figure of production is maximum, it may be shuffled).

Meanwhile, demand for turmeric in the spot market is being increased. Apart from this, if adverse weather conditions continue in the same way, then in the coming time, there can be signs of uptrend in turmeric prices.

The conclusion is drawn for the upcoming production after talking with many experts. The figures are maximum, but if there was a shortage of rain, then there may be a reduction of 10 to 15% in these figures.