India spices open firm; turmeric hits lower circuit

MUMBAI, Nov 24 (Reuters) - India jeera futures opened up on Tuesday as robust overseas demand and a fall in acreage supported sentiment, analysts said.

At 10.35 a.m., benchmark December jeera NJEZ9 was up 1.26 percent at 15,665 rupees per 100 kg.

Reports about excessive rainfall in leading producers Syria and Turkey, which would impact their season's production, also supported sentiment, analysts said.

Export demand is firm as Syria and Turkey continue to quote at a premium to Indian prices.

A prolonged hot and dry spell has delayed the sowing of cumin, or jeera, slashing acreage 25-30 percent from last year, but traders and analysts said the deficit could narrow if conditions improve. [nBOM487298]

PEPPER

Indian pepper futures also opened up on thin stocks and firm overseas demand, analysts said.

The Brazilian crop, which is quoting lower and attracting international demand, however, may hurt sentiment during the day, they said.

At 10.36 a.m., benchmark December pepper NPEZ9 was up 0.54 percent at 15,776 rupees per 100 kg.