Export of Fennel at record level

30-Jan-2025 06:41 PM

The article highlights the impact of record fennel production in India on sowing areas and exports. Due to a bumper crop last year, fennel prices have dropped, leading to lower sowing areas in key production states like Gujarat and Rajasthan.

In Gujarat, sowing dropped from 1.33 lakh hectares to 57,206 hectares, and a similar decrease is expected in Rajasthan.

Despite the lower prices affecting domestic producers, the export market has benefitted. Export figures have surged significantly, reaching 59,830 tonnes in the April-October period of 2024, up from 24,091 tonnes in the same period in 2023.

Last year’s total fennel export was 39,565 tonnes, with 2021-22 marking the highest export of 40,139 tonnes.

The lower prices, with average domestic fennel prices around Rs 70-80 per kg (down from Rs 110-120 last year) and export prices around Rs 82-83 per kg (down from Rs 120-122), have contributed to making Indian fennel more competitive in the global market.

The lower prices led to an influx of new stock, reducing export prices further during April-May 2024.