Turmeric prices in India climbed to record levels in October 2026. In Erode, Tamil Nadu – one of the country's most important turmeric markets – auction prices reached about ₹20,799 per quintal, and a market in Telangana recorded a new high of ₹19,253 per quintal for top-quality lots.
For importers, the Indian market sets the base for export offers on turmeric fingers and powder. This update explains what is pushing turmeric prices up, what it means for export prices, and how to plan your next order.
Short answer: a much smaller turmeric crop – caused by poor rainfall and limited irrigation – and lower market arrivals have lifted Indian turmeric prices to record highs. Erode auctions touched about ₹20,800 per quintal in mid-October 2026. Prices may stay firm until the next harvest early in 2027, so importers should confirm their volumes early and fix grade and curcumin specifications in writing.
What is happening to turmeric prices in India?
According to a DT Next report, turmeric at the Erode auctions reached about ₹20,799 per quintal on 13 October 2026, up roughly ₹2,800 in two weeks. Traders estimate that the area under turmeric fell by about half compared with last year, mainly because of inadequate rainfall and a shortage of irrigation water.
A few days later, IND Today reported a record price of ₹19,253 per quintal at the Kesamudram market in Mahabubabad district, Telangana, on 27 October. That was about ₹6,000 above the previous session and reflected better-quality produce sold through the e-NAM auction system.
The main drivers are:
- Smaller crop: dry weather and limited irrigation cut the area and yield in key growing districts.
- Lower arrivals: farmers are bringing less turmeric to market, and stockists are selling cautiously.
- Quality premium: well-dried, bright lots with good colour fetch the highest bids.
What it means for export prices
Export offers for Indian turmeric follow the domestic market closely, because exporters buy from the same auctions in Erode, Nizamabad, Sangli and other centres. As a result, buyers should expect firm quotes for both turmeric fingers and turmeric powder in the coming weeks.
| Product | Common specifications | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Turmeric fingers | Variety such as Erode, Salem, Nizamabad, Rajapuri or Alleppey Finger | Colour, size, moisture and polish |
| Turmeric powder | Curcumin from 2–3% up to 5% and above; 60, 80 or 100 mesh | Curcumin test method, mesh and microbiology |
| Steam-sterilised powder | Same specifications, with steam treatment | Required by many buyers in the EU and UK |
Prices change daily and depend on variety, curcumin content and quality. Always ask for a current quote.
Will turmeric prices stay high?
Most of the current crop has already been sold or stored, so supply is unlikely to improve quickly. The next Indian harvest normally reaches the market early in the new year, and its size will decide whether prices ease. Profit-taking can still cause short dips – for example, futures fell on profit booking in late October after the rally – but the overall market remains tight.
What importers should do now
- Confirm your volumes early. With low arrivals, exporters give priority to buyers with firm orders.
- Fix the specification. Agree the variety, curcumin content, mesh size, moisture and treatment in writing before you compare quotes.
- Ask for lab reports. Request a recent test report for curcumin, moisture, microbiology and pesticide residues that matches your market's rules.
- Consider powder and fingers separately. If you grind locally, buying fingers may give you more control over quality and blending.
- Plan beyond one shipment. Ask your supplier about volumes for the next harvest so you can lock in supply early in 2027.
Buy turmeric from India with Weorex Spices
We supply turmeric fingers and turmeric powder from Indian growing regions, packed for export with full documents. Create a free buyer account to request a quote for your exact variety, curcumin level, quantity and port, or request a sample before you order. You can also browse the full range of spices or talk to our export team.
Frequently asked questions
What is the turmeric price today in India?
In mid-October 2026, turmeric at the Erode auctions traded at about ₹20,799 per quintal, and a record ₹19,253 per quintal was paid at Kesamudram in Telangana on 27 October. Prices change daily, so ask for a current export quote.
Why are turmeric prices so high in 2026?
Poor rainfall and limited irrigation water reduced the area under turmeric by about half in some regions, and lower market arrivals have tightened supply.
When will turmeric prices come down?
Prices depend on the size of the next harvest, which usually reaches the market early in the new year. Until then, supply is likely to stay tight.
What curcumin content should I ask for?
It depends on your use. Turmeric powder is commonly traded from 2–3% curcumin up to 5% and above. Agree the curcumin level and the test method with your supplier before ordering.
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