Weekly Review – Cumin
14-Mar-2026 08:51 PM
Decline in Cumin Prices: Export Demand Impacted
New Delhi: Cumin prices remained subdued during the current week. While the arrival of cumin is in full swing in the markets (mandis) of Gujarat, the inflow of new cumin has also begun to increase in the markets of Rajasthan. Currently, export trade activity also remains low. According to data released recently by FISSA, cumin production in the country during the current season is estimated at 9.329 million bags, whereas the production estimate for the year 2025 had been projected at 9.793 million bags. Although there has been a decline in production during the current season, total availability remains robust due to sufficient carryover stocks from the previous year. Consequently, prices are not witnessing any upward trend. According to the data released by FISSA, cumin production in Gujarat is estimated at 3.342 million bags, whereas traders are projecting production estimates in the range of 2.6 to 2.8 million bags. Similarly, in Rajasthan, FISSA has released a cumin production estimate of 5.987 million bags, while traders are estimating production to be between 4.8 and 5.0 million bags.
Arrivals
Currently, the daily arrival of cumin in the markets of Gujarat stands at 60,000 to 65,000 bags. In the Unjha market, arrivals are hovering around 34,000 to 35,000 bags. The primary reasons cited for these lower arrival levels are the decline in production and the low prices being realized by farmers. In the markets of Rajasthan as well, the daily arrival of new cumin has begun to reach levels of 11,000 to 12,000 bags. In the Merta market, arrivals are currently ranging between 3,500 and 4,000 bags.
Prices
Due to increasing arrivals in the markets and weak off-take in the spot market, cumin prices are currently undergoing a bearish phase. Currently, in the markets (mandis) of Gujarat, cumin prices are being quoted between ₹180 and ₹210 per kilogram, depending on quality, while the export price is being quoted at ₹4,280 per 20 kilograms. In the markets of Rajasthan as well, prices for new-season cumin are being quoted in the range of ₹180 to ₹215 per kilogram. Sources indicate that there is currently no immediate likelihood of a surge in cumin prices, as exports have been stalled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, sources believe that prices will inevitably rise in the coming days once export demand picks up, particularly since prices have already declined significantly. Furthermore, farmers are expected to reduce their selling activity at these lower price levels.
Declining Exports
According to data released by the Spices Board, during the first nine months of the current financial year (2025–26), the volume of cumin exports declined by 12 percent; meanwhile, revenue generated from exports fell by 26 percent due to lower realization prices. As per the information received, cumin exports during the April–December 2025 period totaled 156,671 tonnes, generating export revenue of ₹3,639.51 crore. In contrast, during the April–December 2024 period, cumin exports stood at 178,847 tonnes, yielding export revenue of ₹4,909.77 crore. For the full financial year 2024–25, total cumin exports amounted to 229,881.67 tonnes, generating export revenue of ₹6,178.86 crore.