Kalonji Prices at Rock Bottom: No Further Decline Expected
07-May-2026 07:12 PM
New Delhi. Due to record production of Kalonji (Nigella seeds) in the country during the current season, prices have been on a downward trend for some time; however, there are now no signs of a further decline. Sources indicate that the market slump resulting from the bumper harvest has already set in, and prices are now being quoted at their lowest levels. It is noteworthy that, as a result of producers receiving remunerative prices during the previous season, Kalonji sowing in Gujarat—a major producing state—was undertaken across an area approximately two and a half times larger than before. Similarly, sowing in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan also increased compared to the previous year.
Production
Driven by increased sowing and favorable weather conditions following the planting phase, Kalonji production in the country this year is estimated at 600,000 to 625,000 quintals, whereas last year's production stood at 300,000 to 325,000 quintals. Production estimates for 2024 were pegged at 250,000 to 275,000 quintals, and for 2023, at 350,000 to 375,000 quintals. Informed sources report that Kalonji production in Gujarat during the current season is estimated at 400,000 to 425,000 bags, compared to 160,000 to 175,000 bags last year. Furthermore, production in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh is estimated at approximately 200,000 bags, whereas last year's production hovered around 100,000 bags.
Low Stock Levels
Due to the decline in yield last year, the stock of Kalonji held at major production centers at the time of the new crop's arrival during the current season was estimated at a mere 5,000 to 6,000 bags. In contrast, stock levels were estimated at 35,000 to 40,000 bags in 2025 and at 125,000 to 150,000 bags in 2024.
Arrivals
Currently, in Gondal Mandi—located in the key producing state of Gujarat—arrivals of new Kalonji (Nigella seeds) are hovering between 1,800 and 2,000 bags, while in Rajkot, arrivals stand at 1,400 to 1,500 bags. In Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch Mandi, arrivals are also running at a level of 800 to 900 bags. Sources indicate that arrivals in the mandis are set to begin declining in the coming days, as farmers have started withholding their produce due to the significant drop in prices. Consequently, while the current price levels may witness some recovery, there are no indications of a major bullish surge.
No Further Decline Expected
Market experts believe that, given that prices have already hit their lowest levels, a further decline in current Kalonji rates is no longer likely. It is worth noting that *iGrain India* had previously reported in its February 5th issue that, owing to record production during the current season, Kalonji prices were expected to settle in the range of ₹200–₹210 per kilogram by April; at that time, prices in the mandis were trading between ₹250 and ₹260 per kilogram. Currently, prices in the mandis of major producing centers have dropped to the level of ₹170–₹180 per kilogram, whereas in Delhi, prices are being quoted at ₹200–₹210 per kilogram.