Turmeric prices fell by 2.87% to Rs 4,530 per quintal at futures trade today as speculators indulged in booking profits after recent gains.

However, concerns over weak rainfall in key growing areas restricted the losses.

At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, turmeric for delivery in July traded Rs 134, or 2.87%, lower at Rs 4,530 per quintal, with an open interest of 2,450 lots.

Likewise, the spice for delivery in August fell by Rs 128, or 2.64%, to Rs 4,714 per quintal, with an open interst of 25,280 lots.

Analysts said the rise in turmeric futures was mostly due to emergence of profit-booking at prevailing higher levels by speculators but reports of lower monsoon rains in key growing regions, which could delay crop's sowing, limited the losses.