Kalonji Prices Firm; No Downturn Likely

07-Jul-2026 06:48 PM

New Delhi: Kalonji prices are currently trading firm, and there is no likelihood of a decline in the near future. This is because market arrivals have decreased, while local demand remains strong. Consequently, Kalonji prices have risen by ₹3–5 per kilogram over the past fortnight.

It is noteworthy that during the current season, reports indicate a doubling of national Kalonji production compared to last year, driven by an increased sowing area in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, along with weather conditions that remained favorable for the crop post-sowing. Initially, this surge in production led to a price drop after the new crop arrived, with rates falling to ₹170–175 per kilogram in May–June, down from ₹250–260 per kilogram in February.

Production

Due to the expansion in sowing area, national Kalonji production for the current season is reported to be between 6 and 6.25 lakh quintals, whereas last year's production stood at 3 to 3.25 lakh quintals. Earlier estimates had projected production at 2.50–2.75 lakh quintals for 2024 and 3.50–3.75 lakh quintals for 2023. Reports indicate that in the key producing state of Gujarat, production reached 4–4.25 lakh quintals this season, compared to 1.60–1.75 lakh quintals last year. Production in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh is estimated at 2 lakh quintals this year, up from around 1 lakh quintals last year.

However, the stock of Kalonji available at the time of the new crop's arrival was low, as most of the previous year's produce had already been consumed due to the lower yield in that year. Current estimates place this year's stock at 5,000–6,000 bags, whereas the stock level was estimated at 30,000–35,000 bags the previous year. The stock level in 2024 stood at approximately 1.25 to 1.50 lakh bags.

Market Arrivals

Currently, arrivals of Kalonji (nigella seeds) at the Rajkot market in Gujarat are around 300–400 bags, while arrivals at the Neemuch market in Madhya Pradesh are ranging between 350 and 400 bags. Prices in the markets are being quoted at ₹160–185 per kg, depending on quality, whereas prices in the Delhi market remain firm at ₹210–215 per kg. Market sources believe that since the bulk of the total produce has already reached the markets, future arrivals will remain limited. Meanwhile, there are still 8 to 9 months remaining before the arrival of the new crop. Consequently, Kalonji prices are expected to remain firm or rise in the coming days.