Reduced Trading in Fennel Seeds Due to High Prices; No Sign of a Downturn

New Delhi. Fennel seed prices have been on an upward trend for some time; however, the persistent price hikes have dampened current trading activity. Nevertheless, market sources indicate that a significant decline in prices is unlikely. This is due to both low existing stocks and forecasts of reduced sowing in producing states for the upcoming season. Fennel is primarily produced in Gujarat and Rajasthan, as well as in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Notably, the area sown with fennel in the country stood at 92,000–93,000 hectares in 2025, which decreased to 85,000–86,000 hectares in 2026. For the upcoming 2027 season, projections suggest a further reduction in the sowing area, driven by water shortages in production hubs and the higher profitability of alternative crops. Sowing has already commenced in Gujarat—a major producing state—while reports indicate it is expected to begin in Rajasthan by the end of this month.

Export Prices

Currently, both export and domestic demand remain strong. While fennel exports had previously been hampered by instability in Middle Eastern countries, there has been a recent recovery in export demand, accompanied by rising prices. Specifically, the export price for fennel was 99–100 rupees per kg in June 2026; it rose to 109–110 rupees in August, reached 118–119 rupees in September, and is currently quoted at 142–143 rupees per kg.

Production

During the current season, the production of fennel seeds in the country has been lower compared to the previous year. According to available information, production at the major growing centers for the year 2026 is estimated at 16–17 lakh bags (each bag weighing 55 kg), whereas production in 2025 was estimated at 18–19 lakh bags.

As the bulk of the total produce has already reached the markets (mandis), current arrivals are quite low. In the major market of Unjha, arrivals are around 2,500–3,000 bags, while in the Nagaur and Merta markets of Rajasthan, arrivals are in the range of 500–700 bags. Traders state that approximately 75–80% of the total produce in Gujarat and 70–75% in Rajasthan has already arrived in the markets. For the current season, fennel production was estimated at 7–7.5 lakh bags in Gujarat and 7.5–8 lakh bags in Rajasthan. Additionally, production from other regions was estimated at 1.5–2 lakh bags.

Exports

According to data released by the Spices Board, the volume of fennel exports during the first three months (April–June) of the 2026–27 financial year has declined by 7%. However, due to favorable export prices, there has been a 6% increase in export earnings. Notably, 8,318 tonnes of fennel were exported during the April–June 2026 period, generating earnings of ₹124 crore. In comparison, exports during the same period in 2025 (April–June) stood at 8,907 tonnes, with earnings of ₹117.43 crore. During the year 2025-26 (April–March), the total export of fennel seeds stood at 33,038 tonnes, with export earnings amounting to ₹421.22 crore.