KADAPA: Just as Guntur is synonymous with chilli and Banganapalle with mangoes, Mydukur in Kadapa district has become famous for its turmeric cultivation. Mydukur turmeric has emerged as a distinct brand in Andhra Pradesh.
Significantly, nearly 40 per cent of AP’s turmeric is produced in Kadapa district. Of that, more than 60 per cent of turmeric is cultivated in Mydukur constituency alone. For the past two to three decades, farmers of Mydukur have made turmeric cultivation their way of life.
“We have been growing turmeric for years without even thinking about profit or loss. It has become a habit and part of our livelihood,” said local farmers.
Turmeric is cultivated across 7,000 acres in 24 mandals of Kadapa district, with nearly 3,500 acres concentrated in Mydukur constituency. The fertile black cotton soil has played a key role in ensuring quality output.
B. Maheswara Reddy, a farmer from Khajipet, said, “I have been cultivating turmeric on my four acres for the past 20 years. It is the only crop we are familiar with. At present, prices are favourable. Once proper care is taken, the crop can be quite profitable.”
Highlighting the quality, a horticulture official from Kadapa district said, “In terms of colour, taste, and overall quality, Mydukur turmeric comes under Grade-1 category.”
Andhra Pradesh accounts for nearly 40 per cent of India’s turmeric exports, with Kadapa district contributing about 60 per cent of that share.
However, rising input costs have now started troubling the farmers. Y. Pulla Reddy, a farmer from Mydukur mandal, said, “The investment per acre has increased to around ₹2 lakh to ₹2.40 lakh. The cost of pesticides has gone up significantly. Farmers can earn good profits only if the price reaches around ₹12,000 per quintal.”
Market trends have remained encouraging. S. Ramtubasha, a trader at Mydukur market yard, said, “The price of dried turmeric fingers has reached around ₹12,800 per quintal this year. Since the quality here is excellent, traders from various regions are purchasing without hesitation.”
On an average, turmeric yields in Kadapa district have been at around 30 quintals per acre. In some parts of Mydukur constituency, yields have touched 40 quintals this year. “This season has been profitable for many farmers due to better yields and favourable prices,” farmers said.
With its bright, rich turmeric fingers gaining recognition, Mydukur is now being identified as a premium turmeric hub. “There is strong demand for Mydukur turmeric not just in domestic markets but also internationally,” traders observe.