iGrain India - Mysore. Turmeric sowing area in Kamaraj Nagar, a major producer area of Karnataka, is likely to increase by about 10-15 percent during the current year as compared to last year because on one hand, the producers are getting attractive income due to its high price and on the other hand, this time the weather and monsoon conditions are also expected to be favourable.
Turmeric sowing season started early in Kamaraj Nagar due to good pre-monsoon rains in early May and there are indications of a great increase in the demand for seeds of its high yielding varieties.
During the last few years, many high productivity varieties of turmeric were developed by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra located in Kamaraj Nagar and there are indications of a great increase in the demand for seeds of its high yielding varieties.
During the last few years, many high productivity varieties of turmeric were developed by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra located in Kamaraj Nagar and its commercial cultivation has also started. This also includes I I SR Pratibha and Alleppey varieties which are suitable for cultivation in this region in the eastern region.
These varieties of turmeric were developed by the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) located in Calicut (Kerala), in which the content of 'curallumin' remains high and there is more ability to fight insects and diseases.
The head of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra says that last year the production area of turmeric in Kamaraj Nagar was 8700 hectares, which can increase to more than 10,000 hectares during the current year.
Producers have received profitable and attractive prices for turmeric this time. Turmeric has to face competition from many other crops including paddy and cotton in this district.
According to the member of LFCO, there is a very good demand for good quality bulk (seed) of turmeric while the supply is decreasing.
During the 2023-24 season, the price of turmeric has jumped to a high of Rs 15,000-16,000 per quintal, giving farmers a great income, whereas last year its price was running at just Rs 5000-6000 per quintal. Farmers are very excited about this.