Rise in Kalonji Prices: No Sign of a Downturn
02-Sep-2026 06:50 PM
New Delhi. Currently, Kalonji prices are firm. A rise of ₹5–7 per kilogram has been recorded this week, and prices are expected to continue rising because the bulk of the total produce has already reached the markets, resulting in reduced fresh arrivals. Most markets in Gujarat are currently closed for the Janmashtami festival; prior to the holiday, arrivals at the Gondal market stood at 300–350 bags and at Rajkot at 200–250 bags, with prices quoted at ₹175–185 per kg. Markets in Gujarat will reopen on September 7. In the Neemuch market of Madhya Pradesh, arrivals are running at 400–500 bags, and prices—varying by quality—are quoted at ₹177–197 per kg, up from the ₹172–190 per kg range seen at the start of the week.
It is noteworthy that due to high domestic production this season, prices had steadily declined after the arrival of the new crop; during May and June, market rates had dropped to ₹170–175 per kg, whereas in February 2026, prices had ranged between ₹250 and ₹260.
Production
Industry sources state that because growers received fair prices for Kalonji in 2025, the area under cultivation increased by approximately 1.5 to 2 times in major producing states—Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan—for the 2026 crop. Weather conditions remained favorable for the crop after sowing. Consequently, domestic Kalonji production reached the level of 6–6.25 lakh bags in 2026, compared to 3–3.25 lakh bags in 2025. Production was estimated at 2.50–2.75 lakh bags in 2024 and 3.50–3.75 lakh bags in 2023. For the current season, Kalonji (nigella seed) production is projected at 4–4.25 lakh bags in Gujarat and 2 lakh bags across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Arrivals of the new Kalonji crop begin in March–April, while sowing takes place in October–November.
No Downturn Expected
Mr. Sanjay Rupalia of 'Shree Ji Global FMCG Limited'—a renowned and trusted firm in Gondal—states that, given the low stock levels at production centers and the likelihood of sowing for the upcoming season being affected by a lack of rainfall, Kalonji prices could rise by ₹20–25 per kg by Diwali, potentially reaching ₹220–225 per kg in the markets. He further notes that with Ramadan falling in February, prices could touch the ₹240–250 per kg mark during January–February.
Stock Levels
According to available information, current Kalonji stocks stand at 1.25–1.30 lakh bags in Gujarat's markets and 40,000–50,000 bags across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh; these stocks are expected to be largely depleted by the time the new crop arrives. For comparison, stocks stood at 5,000–6,000 bags at the time of the new crop's arrival in 2026, whereas they were estimated at 30,000–35,000 bags in 2025.