Kochi: The price of turmeric has increased in the state with the recent shortage of turmeric in the market. The extreme climatic conditions have affected the production of turmeric drastically. The price has risen to Rs. 200 per kg in the retail market.

Hoarding of turmeric by some traders and farmers expecting further price rises also contributes to the increased price of turmeric in the market. 

Turmeric is harvested in the state in the months of April and May. Traders said that compared to the previous year, the availability of turmeric would be 30 percent less this year. 

During the same period last year, turmeric was priced at Rs 100–120 per kg in the retail market.

The amount of curcumin, a compound in turmeric, is likely to decrease if the yield is poor. Turmeric rich in curcumin has a high degree of demand in international markets. Apart from cooking, turmeric is mainly used in medicine and cosmetics.

Telengana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh are the top five states that produce turmeric in the country. Kerala ranks thirteenth in terms of production and contributes around 7,300 tonnes. Meanwhile, India is the leading country in turmeric production and export. America and Gulf countries are major consumers of Indian turmeric.