Storage shift may hit turmeric quality

Turmeric processors are worried the quality of the powder this year will be substandard as the spice is being stored in mechanical storage systems.

Traditionally, harvested turmeric is stored underground in khattis (pev) which maintains the colour and fragrance of the powder. But this year, traders are shifting to private and government warehouses.

The number of khattis dug so far this year is only 25 per cent of the season's total. At the same time last year 75 per cent khattis had been dug. Traders this year are not looking at underground storage as floods had primarily caused losses of about Rs 5 crore last year. Traders moreover did not receive any compensation from the government.

"We have started storing largely in government and private warehouses and self-owned godowns which costs us little more but protects from last year's losses," said Sharad Shah, secretary, Sri Halad Vyapari Association, Sangli.

Storing in khattis cost just Rs 5-10 a bag a year, whereas warehouses charge Rs 4 a bag a month. Also, the quality of the spice stored in khattis is better than the one stored in warehouses.

Shah said the extra storage costs being borne this year would not be passed on to consumers immediately but during October, when demand picks up prices may go up exorbitantly.

Turmeric also has medicinal qualities which makes the quality of the product important. It is used as a remedy to a host of diseases including cuts, bleeding, flu and cough and cold.