Representational Image-Turmeric— DC File

KADAPA: Turmeric prices in Kadapa district have touched an all-time high of ₹20,600 per quintal on Wednesday. This is a major relief for farmers who have faced several years of low returns.

Until recently, turmeric prices had rarely crossed ₹7,000 per quintal. Even two months ago, the maximum price had been around ₹6,500, which farmers considered a good rate. The latest rise to more than ₹20,000 has raised hopes of better returns.

The increase is attributed largely to a decline in cultivation acreage this year due to inadequate water availability amid El Niño conditions.

Turmeric is widely cultivated in Mydukur, Khajipet, Duvvur, and Pendlimarri mandals, as well as several areas in the Pulivendula assembly constituency.

Farmers in the district usually sow turmeric over more than 7,000 acres, with annual production exceeding 40,000 metric tonnes. This year, however, the cultivated area had been less than 4,000 acres due to water shortages, reducing market arrivals and pushing up prices.

P. Maheswara Reddy, a farmer from Khajipet who cultivated turmeric on seven acres, said the prevailing prices are unprecedented. "I have never seen turmeric fetch such a high price in my farming experience. The present market rates are encouraging and are likely to bring good returns to farmers. After several years of uncertainty, turmeric growers are finally seeing some relief," he remarked.

Guava farmers are also reportedly getting remunerative prices. Arrivals of domestic guava have increased in markets over the past month. Depending on quality, guavas are fetching ₹50 to ₹70 per kg in retail markets.

Nandyal district horticulture officer U. Nagaraju said, "Farmers are getting good prices for both turmeric and guava. There is every indication that the present price trend will continue for at least another month. This year appears to be favourable for farmers in terms of market realisations," he said.


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