New Delhi, 26 October (NNS):  In view of the rising prices of turmeric, large traders and stockists have withheld their stocks, resulting in an immediate shortage of good-quality turmeric in the market. Around 80% of last season’s stocks have been exhausted in major producing markets such as Erode, Warangal, Sangli and Nizamabad. Consequently, selling pressure in the mandis has reduced considerably. After a sustained rise, turmeric prices have witnessed a slight correction. Last week, continuous buying pushed spot prices of Erode Gatta turmeric up by Rs 1000 to Rs 23700/23800 per quintal. However, after a correction of Rs 400, prices strengthened by Rs 100 today to reach Rs 23400/23500 per quintal. Turmeric is expected to witness a sharp rise in the near future.