New Delhi: The cumin market witnessed mixed trading during the current week. After an initial rise in prices at the beginning of the week, prices softened towards the end. It is noteworthy that due to a reduction in the cumin sowing area this year in the producing centers, production is expected to be lower. This makes a significant price drop unlikely. However, with the arrival of new crops in Unjha mandi in Gujarat, the main producing state, and the expected arrival of new crops in other mandis of Gujarat from next week onwards, a price increase is not anticipated at this time. The market is expected to remain subdued in the coming days. It is worth noting that this year, cumin was sown on 4.07 lakh hectares in Gujarat, compared to 4.76 lakh hectares last year. Reports suggest that sowing in Rajasthan is 20-25 percent lower this year. The arrival of new cumin in Rajasthan's mandis will begin in March. It is noteworthy that last year, the total cumin sowing area in the country was 11.71 lakh hectares, while in 2024, the sowing area was 12.64 lakh hectares.

Due to lower exports during the current season, there is sufficient stock of cumin at the producing centers. Sources say that there is an estimated stock of 15-16 lakh bags in the mandis of the producing centers, in addition to an estimated 8-10 lakh bags held by farmers.

Knowledgeable sources say that a significant increase in cumin prices is unlikely in the near future, provided the weather remains favorable in the producing centers. This is because arrivals will now increase in the mandis of Gujarat. However, a significant price drop is also unlikely, as cumin production in the country is estimated to be lower for the second consecutive year. Currently, cumin prices at the producing centers' markets are being quoted at ₹4000/4500 per 20 kg. This price could drop to ₹3800/4200 per 20 kg due to the pressure of new crop arrivals. Currently, the Unjha market is receiving 100/150 bags of new crop and 10/11 thousand bags of old stock.

Based on sowing reports from the producing centers, it is expected that cumin production in the country will decline for the second consecutive year. According to available information, the total cumin production in the country during 2024 was 11 million bags, which decreased to 9-9.2 million bags (each bag weighing 55 kg) in 2025. Due to reduced sowing during the current season, it is expected that cumin production in 2026 will be limited to 8-8.2 million bags, provided the weather remains favorable for the crop in the coming days.

Due to weak demand from China and Bangladesh, cumin exports in quantitative terms decreased by 13 percent during the first seven months of the current season, while the decline in export prices resulted in a 27 percent decrease in revenue. According to data released by the Spices Board, cumin exports during April-October 2025 were 126,916 tonnes, and the revenue earned from exports was ₹2955.81 crore. In contrast, during April-October 2024, cumin exports were 146,558 tonnes, and the revenue was ₹4036.51 crore. However, cumin exports in November 2025 were higher than the previous year. According to available information, cumin exports in November 2025 were 15,301 tonnes, while in November 2024, exports were 12,643 tonnes. During the year 2024-25 (April-March), the total export of cumin amounted to 229,881.67 tons, and the revenue generated from these exports was ₹6,178.86 crore.