News Capsule: India’s 2026 cumin output likely to decline
05-Mar-2026 12:48 PM
News Capsule: India’s 2026 cumin output likely to decline
★ India’s cumin (jeera) production is expected to decline in the 2026 season due to reduced acreage, adverse weather conditions and the spread of blight disease. Output may fall to around 513,000 tonnes from about 538,000 tonnes last year.
★ In Gujarat, cumin acreage has declined by about 18 percent, which may lead to a nearly 27 percent drop in production to around 183,000 tonnes. In contrast, Rajasthan has seen about a 4 percent increase in area, which could raise production by nearly 15 percent to around 329,000 tonnes.
★ Export demand remains weak due to the ongoing tensions in West Asia, keeping market sentiment subdued. With the arrival of the new crop, raw cumin prices are currently around ₹180–190 per kg, while spot market prices are hovering near ₹4,200 per 20 kg.
★ If the West Asia conflict continues for a longer period, prices may remain under pressure in the near term. However, demand from China is expected to pick up by mid-April.
★ Cumin futures markets also recorded gains today.