Turmeric futures continued weak trend this week due to higher arrivals from the fresh crop amid an estimated rise in output this year.Demand from the overseas and domestic buyers continues to remain lower supporting bearish market sentiments.
The main quality of turmeric is called as Rajapuri which is produced in Sangli, Maharashtra. Masala manufacturers mainly use it due to its saffron colour. The second main quality is Salem Gattha which is produce in Salem, Tamilnadu and that is why its name is pronounced as Salem Gattha.
Rajapuri Quality is also a known quality and attracts the Masala manufacturer besides the Salem variety. But production of this quality is low at ~2lakh bags. Both Rajapuri and Salem quality fetch higher prices. Third quality is produced in Messur, Karnataka and called as Godal Patte. It is considered slightly inferior in quality to the former 2. The fourth quality – the Finger quality gets its name from its shape - which looks like human finger.
The quality of turmeric is totally dependent on the colour after grinding. Saffron is the most preferred colour of traders. Turmeric from Nizamabad has been recognized every where as it is traded in the Futures market, even though, it fetches rates lower by Rs 200-300/Q than the Erode quality which is of superior quality.
Gattha quality is preferred only by Masala manufacturer as its wastes remain low than Finger quality after the grinding process.
PRODUCING STATES
Tamil Nadu, AP, Maharashtra. Karnataka, Orissa, Meghalaya, Bihar and Assam are the main turmeric producing areas. Moreover, Erode, Selam and Rajapur are the main trading place. Other producing countries are Myanmar and China.
Tamil Nadu:
Total production recorded was nearly 10 lakh bags in 2008 while ~14 lakh bags production is expected in 2009. Moreover, nearly 7 lakh bags carry over stocks is reported here. Sowing starts in June and July and arrivals start in April and continues throughout the year. Packing size is 75kg each.
Karnataka:
In 2008, nearly 4 lakh bags was produced in Karnataka while in 2009, around 6 lakh bags production is expected. Sowing time here is April to June while arrivals start from mid January. Best quality is produced her but due to lack of trading spot like Market yard, farmers have to move to the neighboring state, Tamil Nadu. Most traders add the production figures of Karnataka while calculating Tamil Nadu production figures.
Andhra Pradesh:
In 2008, the total production in the state was at ~ 20 lakh bags. This year, it is expected at around these levels. The stock level as of now is at ~7 lakh bags. There are many mandis in AP like Nizamabad, Warangal, Duggirala, Karappa, Kesamudaram, Rajam Per, Raja Mundari, Sada Shiva Per, Vikarabad. Here packing size is 100kg.
Maharashtra:
Nander, Basmath Nagar, Higgoli and Sangli are the main turmeric markets. In 2008, around 4 lakh bags turmeric was produced, while in 2009, production is expected to reduce to less than 4 lakh ton based on the first sowing information. As per traders, carry forward stock may be nearly 3 lakh ton as being a market for stockists, carry over stock remains higher than total production here.
Orissa:
Berhampur is the main mandi for trading. In 2008, around 1.25 lakh bags was produced here which is expected to remain same this year also. As per traders, stock level may be ~50-60 thousand bags as big traders keep ~40-50 thousand stocks. Here, sowing time is July while arrivals start from February. But in quality aspects, Orissa turmeric is considered a low grade produce.
Kerala, Assam, Meghalaya and Bihar:
Total production of these states is around 2.50 lakh bags in which Meghalaya production is higher at around 1 lakh bags while the other states contribute for 50000 bags each. Sowing starts in July while main arrival time is February.
In 2008, total production of turmeric was around 42 lakh bags while in 2009, it is expected to touch the level of around 45-50 lakh bags. Total consumption is around 45 lakh bags which include both export and domestic demand. Carry forward stock is reportedly around 17-18 lakh bags from which nearly 10 lakh bags could be used for consumption purpose and rest of quantity would be available as carry forward stock for next year.
There is nearly 5 month long period for the new arrivals to take place. This year, the acreage is expected to be at ~1.6-1.7 lakh hectares. It stood at 1.63 lakh hectares last year.
Weather will play a crucial role in determining the coming crop figure. And any change in weather could adversely effect the production in the coming months till the new crop arrives. A delay in rains this year has already caused apprehensions of its adverse effect on the production aspects.
Export demand takes place from Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and USA. Festival demand is also expected by traders from coming month, which could provide support to the prices.
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