Vijayawada: Turmeric farmers in the Krishna delta are beaming with joy as market prices soared to unprecedented levels this season, crossing ₹12,000 per quintal. The sharp increase in prices brought a wave of relief and optimism, especially after several years of stagnant returns.
In just three months, the price climbed dramatically—from ₹8,000 per quintal in Jan to ₹9,000 in Feb, and now trading above ₹12,000. This is nearly double the govt’s minimum support price (MSP) of ₹6,875. Despite flood-related damage in parts of the Krishna River region in Sept 2024, favourable weather in other areas helped maintain a healthy yield.
Farmers credit this success not just to market dynamics but also to their own efforts. Many adopted improved cultivation practices, focused on soil health, opted for organic fertilisers, and were more selective with seed varieties. These efforts led to a high-quality crop, with better polishing and processing techniques making it export-ready and more appealing to buyers.
According to the horticulture department, the cost of producing one quintal of turmeric increased to ₹9,400 in 2024–25, up from ₹8,735 in 2021–22. The total investment per acre now ranges between ₹1.2 lakh to ₹1.6 lakh, depending on location and lease conditions. With the current market rates, farmers are earning around ₹3 lakh per acre—more than double their investment.
With prices expected to rise further, many farmers have begun storing their harvest in cold storage units. Meanwhile, tenant farmers are selling off their produce to clear their investment debts. Overall, this season turned favourable for turmeric farmers, with strong yields and record-breaking prices indicating a golden period for the spice crop.
