Chances of sharp rise or fall in cumin amid limited business are low

23-Jun-2025 05:24 PM

Rajkot. The domestic and export demand for cumin is currently not very strong, and as a result, despite limited supply in major producing markets, prices have remained largely stable.

Any occasional increase in prices tends to be short-lived and quickly corrects. In Gujarat’s benchmark Unjha market, the daily arrival of cumin remains steady at around 8,000 to 10,000 bags.

Harvesting and post-harvest preparations for cumin in India have already concluded, while fresh supplies are beginning to arrive from countries like Turkey, Syria, Afghanistan and Iran.

China is also expected to bring its new crop to the market soon. As a result, cumin availability in the global market is set to rise, intensifying competition.

Indian cumin, known for its high quality, is priced higher, which may weaken its export demand in the short term, especially when cheaper alternatives from other producing nations become available.

This stability or downward trend in prices has caused concern among farmers in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Even with limited arrivals in local mandis, price trends have not been encouraging, and a significant price rally seems unlikely for now. Additionally, increasing activity of the southwest monsoon may further dampen cumin trade in domestic markets.

In Unjha mandi, the price of cumin has fallen below Rs 4,000 per 20 kg, equating to under Rs 200 per kg or Rs 20,000 per quintal. Some trade is still happening at higher rates for good quality cumin.

In Delhi’s wholesale grocery market, prices last week ranged between Rs 21,200 and Rs 21,800 per quintal for average quality.

During the financial year 2024–25, cumin exports from India reached an impressive 2.30 lakh tonnes, significantly higher than the 1.65 lakh tonnes exported in 2023–24. Export earnings also rose from Rs 5,797.23 crore to Rs 6,178.86 crore during the same period.