New Delhi. Cumin production in the country is projected to be lower than last year during the current financial year. Despite this, the arrival of new cumin seeds in Gujarat's markets is higher than during the same period last year. According to information received, on February 21, 2025, the arrival of new cumin seeds in Unjha market in Gujarat was 1,800 bags, Rajkot 500 bags, and Gondal 1,000 bags. Jasdan received 1,800 bags and Botad 650 bags. Currently, the arrival of new cumin seeds in Unjha market is 5,000/6,000 bags, Rajkot 1,700/1,800 bags, and Gondal 2,300/2,400 bags. Arrivals in other markets are also higher than last year.

Due to growers not receiving a fair price for their produce, cumin has been sown on a reduced area in the country for the second consecutive year. According to reports, cumin sowing area in Gujarat this year was 4.08 lakh hectares, compared to 4.76 lakh hectares last year. Furthermore, reports indicate that sowing in Rajasthan is also 15-20 percent lower than last year. Last year, cumin sowing in the country totaled 11.71 lakh hectares, while the 2024 sowing area was 12.64 lakh hectares.

Experts say that there is no possibility of a rise in the current price of cumin in the near future. New cumin will begin arriving in the markets of Rajasthan in addition to Gujarat in the coming days. However, due to low production, a significant decline in prices is unlikely. Currently, cumin prices in Gujarat markets are being quoted at ₹190/₹230 per kg, while the export price is ₹4525/₹4550 per 20 kg. Traders say that although the cumin crop is in good condition in Gujarat, there are reports of 5-10 percent damage to the crop due to recent rains in Rajasthan. Besides the reduced sowing, the weather is also not favorable for the crop. However, 10 bags of new cumin have been sold in Jodhpur market in Rajasthan during the current week, and the new stock is reported to be trading at ₹261. After Holi, new supplies will begin arriving in other Rajasthan markets, including Nagaur, Medta, and Naukha. Consequently, cumin prices will remain elevated at ₹4-₹5 per kg.

Due to poor sowing at producing centers and unfavorable weather in Rajasthan after sowing, there are reports of low cumin production in the country for the second consecutive year. Traders believe that cumin production in the country will be around 80-82 lakh bags during the current season. Production in 2025 was estimated to be 90-92 lakh bags and in 2024, production was estimated to be 1.10 crore bags (each bag weighing 55 kg).

Due to low purchases from China and Bangladesh, cumin exports declined by 11 percent in the first nine months of the current financial year 2025-26, while earnings declined by 25 percent due to low prices. According to data released by the Spices Board, cumin exports during April-November 2025 were 142,217 tonnes, with export revenue of ₹3297.29 crore. Meanwhile, in April-November 2024, cumin exports were 159,201 tonnes, with export revenue of ₹4382.14 crore. During the year 2024-25 (April-March), the total export of cumin was 229881.67 tonnes and the income received was Rs 6178.86 crore.