Cumin prices expected to remain strong during the off-season

12-Nov-2025 08:56 PM

Rajkot. Cumin supply has begun to weaken in Gujarat's Unjha market, while domestic and export demand is expected to improve. The Lagnasara season in India is expected to increase cumin consumption.

Meanwhile, the global market is experiencing a decline in the supply and availability of cumin from Turkey, Syria, and Iran. Chinese importers may increase purchases from India.

Stocks are also reported to be low in other buyer countries. Global demand for Indian cumin remained weak in the first five months of the current financial year, leading to a decline in exports.

Approximately 10,000 bags of cumin arrived at the Unjha market yesterday, and with improved demand, prices rose by 20 to 50 rupees per 20 kg. Futures also improved.

Sowing of this important spice crop has begun in Gujarat, the leading producing state, and there are indications of a significant increase in acreage this year compared to last year.

Weather and soil conditions are favorable for sowing. If the area under cultivation increases significantly in the future, market prices could be under pressure.

According to data from the Gujarat Agriculture Department, during the current Rabi season, the cumin production area in the state increased to 3,716 hectares as of November 10, 2025, which is more than three times the 1,174 hectares planted during the same period last year, or 2,542 hectares more.

Sowing has begun in the Kutch and Saurashtra divisions, but has not yet begun in Central Gujarat. Spices Board data shows that 92,810 tons of cumin were exported from the country in the five months from April to August this year, a 17 percent decrease from the 111,532 tons shipped during the same months last year. Cumin prices may remain strong if domestic and export demand improves.