Cumin Production Estimated to Shrink to 80-81 Lakh Bags

28-Jan-2026 09:24 PM

Mumbai: Cumin production is expected to decline again due to a reduction in sowing area in top producing states like Gujarat and Rajasthan. According to a leading trade analyst, the total area under cumin cultivation has decreased by about 12 percent. In Gujarat, the area has shrunk by 16 percent to 3.98 lakh hectares.

In Rajasthan, the area has also decreased by at least 10 percent. Farmers' enthusiasm for cumin cultivation has diminished due to weak market prices, while late sowing will also delay harvesting. The weather in February-March will be crucial for the cumin crop, as this is the maturity and harvesting season.

According to the analyst, domestic cumin production had surged to 110 lakh bags in the 2023-24 season, before falling to 90-92 lakh bags in the 2024-25 season.

In the current 2025-26 season, production is estimated to fall again, shrinking to 80-81 lakh bags. Production is expected to decrease in both Gujarat and Rajasthan.

According to analysts, while this decline is not significant enough to create a major shortage in the domestic market, it could contribute to a tightening of supply. If demand remains strong, this tightening of supply could lead to some increase in cumin prices.

The country has an estimated carryover stock of approximately 20 lakh bags of cumin, but producers are currently releasing only limited quantities into the markets, anticipating higher prices in the future.

The average annual consumption of cumin in the country is around 70 lakh bags, while production can be 10-11 lakh bags higher. If demand from major importing countries, including China, remains strong, the expectation of higher cumin prices in the coming months could persist.