India: Tight export-grade turmeric supplies lift prices as stockists hold inventories

• Export-quality supply shrinks amid lower carry-forward stocks
• European, Bangladeshi demand supports market sentiment

Indian turmeric prices gained 1.13% w-o-w to settle at INR 15,632/quintal on 10 June 2026, with the market drawing strength from the tightening availability of export-grade material and a sharp decline in carry-forward stocks. Traders reported limited supplies of premium “Double Polished” turmeric as moisture-related crop damage, including rhizome rot in low-lying areas, reduced the availability of quality lots. With carry-forward stocks estimated at around 15 lakh bags, down from over 20 lakh bags a year ago, the market’s buffer against supply disruptions has narrowed considerably.

Market participants in key trading hubs, including Sangli and Nizamabad, continued to withhold stocks in anticipation of stronger prices, keeping spot availability tight despite ongoing arrivals. Premium varieties maintained firm premiums, with Rajapuri turmeric quoted at INR 22,500-23,000 per quintal in Belgaum and INR 15,000-21,000 per quintal in Sangli, reflecting strong demand for superior-quality material. Nizamabad turmeric kadi traded at INR 13,200-14,500 per quintal with arrivals of 2,800 bags.

For exporters, tightening supplies coincide with improving overseas demand. Buying interest from European importers for Integrated Pest Management (IPM)-certified turmeric has strengthened, while Bangladesh remains actively sourcing finger varieties from Andhra Pradesh. Although India’s March turmeric exports fell 16.8% y-o-y to 12,559.72 tonnes, shipments increased 10.14% from February, signalling a gradual recovery in export demand.

Price gains were partially limited by increased arrivals of late-harvested and high-moisture turmeric as farmers liquidated stocks to fund Kharif sowing. However, with production revised lower to 1.14 million tonnes and weather concerns surrounding the upcoming monsoon persisting, traders and exporters are closely monitoring supply risks that could further tighten the availability of quality turmeric in the coming months.