Turmeric prices surged by 2.56%, reaching ₹13,074, fueled by lower-than-expected arrivals and strong buying interest amid supply constraints. The price rally was further supported by positive export trends, with exports hitting a four-year high in the second half of 2024, exceeding the 2020 peak of 1.75 lakh tonnes. Additionally, lower crop yield forecasts, especially from the Nanded region where small rhizomes and crop rots affected productivity, contributed to the market's upward movement. While the area sown with turmeric increased by 10% to 3.30 lakh hectares compared to 3 lakh hectares last season, untimely rains are expected to limit yield improvements, keeping production either stable or fluctuating by 3-5% from last year's 10.75 lakh tonnes. On the export side, demand remained strong, with shipments from April to December 2024 increasing by 13% to 1,36,921 tonnes, compared to 1,21,170 tonnes during the same period in 2023. December 2024 exports saw a remarkable 46.94% year-on-year increase, reaching 15,319.82 tonnes. However, imports exhibited a contrasting trend, with an overall rise of 84.35% in 2024, reaching 19,644.14 tonnes. In contrast, December imports fell by 44.69% to 703.19 tonnes, indicating adequate domestic supply. In Nizamabad, a key turmeric market, spot prices rose by 1.82%, reaching ₹12,998, reflecting the ongoing bullish sentiment.