Turmeric sold at Rs. 5,000 a kilo

The shortage of turmeric in the country, triggered by import restrictions has resulted in a kilogramme of turmeric powder being sold at a price as high as Rs. 5,000 or more in the black market, importers say.

The government banned the import of turmeric in December last year in a move to boost local production .

Turmeric is a crop that yields in ten months. Currently there is a shortage of turmeric powder in the market. (Kelum Bandara)