Turmeric auctions resume at Sangli APMC

PUNE: After remaining closed for about four to five days, auctions of new season's turmeric have started again in Sangli district. The APMC and farmers decided to re-start the auctions as any political decision about low prices would have taken long as the code of conduct for local elections is under implementation.

Farmers' organisations had stopped turmeric auctions at the Sangli APMC in Maharashtra from January 17 as the rates of mahurat auctions of new season's turmeric were much below farmers' expectations.

The farmers had submitted a memorandum to the chief minister Prithviraj Chavan demanding that the state government purchase five lakh quintal turmeric at a support price. However, the farmers and the APMC decided to relaunch the auctions last week. ""We decided to re-start the auctions because any political decision would have taken long as the code of conduct for local elections is under implementation in the state. Farmers wanted to sell their produce,"" said Vaibha Patil, chairman of Sangli APMC.

The current price of turmeric is Rs 55/kg to Rs 80/kg. Farmers were expecting the prices to be at least Rs 100/kg as last year the prices were Rs 160/kg to Rs 170/kg. Stockists and investors are investing in turmeric due to its low prices.