No likelihood of a decline in cumin prices
12-Jun-2026 07:46 PM
New Delhi. Informed sources state that cumin prices are currently hovering at minimum levels. There is little prospect of any significant further decline from these rates in the near term; the market is expected to see only minor fluctuations of ₹3–5 in the coming days. Although arrivals of cumin at markets in producing regions have remained limited, prices remain subdued due to sluggish local and export trade. Notably, cumin exports have been impacted recently by conflicts in Middle Eastern countries. There is currently no immediate prospect of a rise in export demand, as fresh cumin arrivals are set to begin in China by the end of this month, with reports indicating a 5–10% increase in China's production compared to last year. Meanwhile, fresh cumin arrivals from Turkey and Syria are expected to commence in July, which will likely keep Indian cumin exports low.
Cumin production in the country during the current season has been lower than last year. While production in Rajasthan exceeded last year's figures, reports indicate a decline in Gujarat's output. According to available data, Gujarat's cumin production fell from 44–45 lakh bags last year to 32–34 lakh bags this year. Conversely, trade estimates place Rajasthan's production at 57–58 lakh bags this year, up from an estimated 51–52 lakh bags last year.
Arrivals
Currently, cumin arrivals at markets in producing regions have stabilized at normal levels. Arrivals at Unjha—Gujarat's major market—stand at 10,000–11,000 bags, while Rajkot and Gondal are recording arrivals of 800–1,000 bags. Arrivals in Rajasthan's Merta market are currently ranging between 2,500 and 3,000 bags, while Nagaur is seeing arrivals of 1,500 to 2,000 bags. Arrivals in Jodhpur have dropped to the 1,200–1,500 bag range. Sources indicate that approximately 75–80% of the total produce has already reached the markets in Gujarat, whereas estimates suggest that 50–60% of the produce is expected to arrive in Rajasthan's markets. Sources report that cumin arrivals in Gujarat's markets have reached around 28–30 lakh bags so far, while arrivals in Rajasthan's markets are projected to be between 20 and 22 lakh bags.
Market Trends (Fluctuations)
Industry sources state that a decline in current cumin prices is unlikely; while market arrivals have decreased, local demand is expected to improve in the coming days. Exports will also continue, albeit in sporadic quantities. Currently, cumin prices at production-center markets are hovering between ₹175 and ₹200 per kilogram. Minor price fluctuations of ₹3–5 per kilogram are expected to persist, but prices are likely to rise during August and September.
Exports
During the 2025-26 fiscal year (April–March), cumin exports declined by 14% in terms of volume, while export earnings fell by 25% due to lower export prices. According to data released by the Spices Board, cumin exports totaled 196,800 tonnes in 2025-26, generating earnings of ₹4,611.15 crore. In contrast, exports during 2024-25 stood at 229,881 tonnes, with earnings of ₹6,178.86 crore.