Turmeric prices concluded with an increase of 0.67% at Rs 16,012, reflecting ongoing constraints in physical supplies from major producing areas in Maharashtra and Telangana. Arrivals in major mandis have consistently fallen short of normal levels, even amidst the peak marketing season. Concurrently, moisture-related quality concerns and rhizome rot in low-lying regions have diminished the supply of premium “Double Polished” export-quality stocks. Farmers and stockists in Sangli and Nizamabad are maintaining a robust holding, anticipating that prices will trend towards the Rs 18,000 level, which has also bolstered market sentiment.

Premium “Salem Fali” turmeric maintained elevated prices approaching Rs 20,000 per quintal in key trading hubs. However, gains remained constrained due to the uptick in daily arrivals and heightened liquidation by farmers aiming for liquidity in anticipation of Kharif sowing activities. Late-harvested high-moisture turmeric arrivals prompted significant discounting in average-quality lots, as traders engaged in profit-booking after accumulating stocks at lower levels during March, which further intensified the pressure on prices.

Export demand continued to show resilience, especially from Bangladesh for finger-variety turmeric and from European Union buyers in search of IPM-certified stocks. Industry estimates suggest that carry-forward stocks are approximately 15 lakh bags, a decrease from over 20 lakh bags in the previous year, thereby constraining overall availability. The Agriculture Ministry’s downward revision in production estimates to 1.140 million tonnes has further reinforced bullish undertones. Export data indicated that turmeric exports during the period of April to February 2026 experienced a slight increase of 1%, reaching a total of 163,336 tonnes.

In contrast, imports saw a significant decline of 40%, amounting to 12,476 tonnes. Technically, the market continues to experience new buying activity, evidenced by a 0.75% increase in open interest to 20,075 lots, coinciding with price gains. Support is identified at Rs 15,942, with a subsequent level at Rs 15,872. Conversely, resistance is established at Rs 16,090 and extends to Rs 16,168.