No Prospect of a Downturn for Kalonji (Nigella Seeds)

New Delhi. Kalonji prices have once again begun to rise, driven by low stock levels at production centers and projections of reduced sowing. Sources anticipate that prices will climb further as demand increases in the coming days. It is reported that sowing in the Saurashtra region will be impacted by water shortages, and similar declines in sowing are also forecast for Madhya Pradesh. Sowing for the Kalonji crop is set to begin in November, with the new harvest expected in March–April. Kalonji is primarily produced in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

Notably, a recent price surge of ₹25–30 per kg led to a dip in demand, causing prices to fall by ₹5–7 per kg; however, the market has now begun to strengthen once again. Given the current conditions, it is projected that prices in the mandis (agricultural markets) could reach ₹280–300 per kg before the arrival of the new harvest. Currently, Kalonji is trading at ₹250–255 per kg in the Neemuch mandi, while in the Rajkot and Gondal mandis, prices range between ₹245 and ₹252 per kg. Market arrivals are currently around 500–550 bags in Neemuch and 200–250 bags in Rajkot.

Due to high domestic production during the current season, Kalonji prices in the mandis had dropped to ₹170–175 per kg in May–June 2026, whereas they were quoted at ₹250–260 per kg in February 2026, prior to the arrival of the new crop.

Production

Due to a significant rise in *kalonji* (nigella seed) prices in 2025, a larger area was sown for the 2026 crop in the major producing regions—with Gujarat, in particular, seeing an increase in the sown area. Favorable weather conditions following the sowing period led to a record-breaking *kalonji* harvest this season, with production estimated at 600,000 to 625,000 bags. In comparison, production stood at only 300,000 to 325,000 bags in 2025, and 250,000 to 275,000 bags in 2024. For 2026, production in Gujarat is estimated at 400,000 to 425,000 bags, while output in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is projected at 200,000 bags.

Bullish Outlook

Given the low existing stock—much of which is held by strong hands—and the anticipated rise in demand during the upcoming Ramadan and festive season, prices are expected to climb, potentially reaching the 280–300 rupee level. Some traders even suggest that prices could touch the 325–350 rupee mark. Currently, prices in the markets of the producing regions are quoted at 250–255 rupees.

Stock

Traders believe that existing *kalonji* stocks will be exhausted by the time the new crop arrives next season. At present, stocks in the markets of Gujarat are estimated at 100,000 to 125,000 bags, while stocks in the markets of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are estimated at 40,000 to 50,000 bags. According to the information received, the stock of kalonji (nigella seeds) at the time of the arrival of the new crop in 2026 was estimated at 5,000–6,000 bags, whereas in 2025, the stock was estimated at 30,000–35,000 bags.