Cumin Prices Firm Up; No Downturn Expected

05-Sep-2026 04:18 PM

New Delhi: Cumin prices remained firm during the current week. However, most markets in Gujarat remained closed due to the Janmashtami festival. Trading continued smoothly only at the Unjha market, where prices rose by ₹2–3 per kilogram. Sources indicate that a decline in current cumin prices is unlikely, as rates are already hovering at minimum levels. Notably, export trade had slowed recently due to the arrival of new cumin crops in overseas markets; however, with those foreign harvests nearing completion, buying interest from exporters has gradually picked up. Consequently, export trade is expected to increase in the coming days, alongside a projected rise in local demand. Given current price levels, it is anticipated that cumin sowing for the upcoming season will take place over a smaller area. Sowing operations are scheduled to begin in October.

Although domestic cumin production was lower this season compared to the last, prices failed to rally due to substantial carry-over stocks and weak demand from China. Trade sources estimate cumin production in Gujarat at 32–32.5 lakh bags this season, down from 44–45 lakh bags last year. In Rajasthan, production is estimated at 54–56 lakh bags, an increase of 4–5 lakh bags compared to the previous year.

Stocks

Industry sources state that while cumin stocks at production centers are adequate, prices could rise if exports increase in the near future. Current trade estimates place cumin stocks in Gujarat markets at 20–22 lakh bags and in Rajasthan markets at 28–30 lakh bags. The total cumin stock across production centers is estimated to be around 48–50 lakh bags.

Sowing

Sources indicate that due to the higher prices farmers received for coriander and mustard this year, forecasts suggest a decline in total cumin sowing across the country for the second consecutive year. It is worth noting that cumin is primarily produced in Rajasthan and Gujarat; sowing operations begin in October, and the arrival of the new crop starts in January.

Arrivals

Daily cumin arrivals in the markets have currently decreased, as the bulk of the total production has already reached the trading centers. According to available information, arrivals at Gujarat's major market, Unjha, have dropped to 7,000–8,000 bags. Arrivals at Rajasthan's Jodhpur market are running at 1,500–2,000 bags, while Merta market is seeing arrivals of 2,000–2,500 bags. Arrivals have fallen to 800–1,000 bags in Nagaur and 300–400 bags in Nokha. Sources state that approximately 80–85% of Gujarat's total produce has already reached the markets, while it is estimated that 65–70% of Rajasthan's produce has arrived.

No Downturn Expected

Sources suggest that there is no likelihood of a decline in current cumin prices, as rates have already reached their minimum levels. Currently, prices for average-quality cumin at production-center markets are being quoted at ₹180–210 per kilogram. While minor fluctuations of ₹3–5 per kilogram may continue in the market, prices are expected to rise after September 15 due to increased export demand. This is because the supply of cumin from China, Turkey, and Syria to the international market is likely to be disrupted in the coming days, thereby boosting export demand for Indian cumin. Lower

Exports

Cumin exports recorded a 24 percent decline during the first quarter (April–June) of the 2026-27 fiscal year, while export earnings fell by 26 percent due to lower export prices. According to data released by the Spices Board, cumin exports totaled 47,916 tonnes during April–June 2026, generating earnings of ₹1,118.11 crore. In contrast, exports stood at 62,886 tonnes with earnings of ₹1,514.61 crore during the same period in 2025. For the full 2025-26 fiscal year, total cumin exports amounted to 196,800 tonnes, yielding earnings of ₹4,611.15 crore.