Weekly Review – Cumin
21-Mar-2026 07:38 PM
Cumin Prices Firm as Arrivals Fail to Rise
New Delhi: Cumin prices witnessed an upward trend during the current week. Sources indicate that, following a decline in prices over recent days, farmers have begun withholding their produce. Consequently, the inflow of new stock into the *mandis* (wholesale markets) is not increasing as anticipated. Demand from local stockists remains robust due to a decline in overall production during the current season. Currently, daily arrivals of new cumin at the Unjha *mandi* stand at 35,000–40,000 bags, whereas during the same period last year, arrivals were averaging 50,000–55,000 bags. Arrivals in other *mandis* are also lower compared to last year.
Production
During the current season, cumin sowing in the major producing states—Gujarat and Rajasthan—was undertaken across 1.118 million hectares (11.18 lakh hectares). In contrast, the sown area last year stood at 1.171 million hectares. Due to both the reduction in the sown area and adverse weather conditions following sowing, cumin production for the current season is estimated to be approximately 8.8–9.0 million bags (88–90 lakh bags). This compares to last year's production estimate of 9.7–9.8 million bags (97–98 lakh bags)—with each bag weighing 55 kg. Reports from Gujarat indicate that cumin production for the current season is expected to be 3.2–3.4 million bags (32–34 lakh bags), whereas last year's production reached 4.4–4.5 million bags (44–45 lakh bags). In Rajasthan, production estimates are currently pegged at 5.4–5.5 million bags (54–55 lakh bags).
Arrivals
Currently, the average daily inflow of new cumin into the *mandis* of Gujarat stands at 60,000–65,000 bags, while arrivals in Rajasthan's *mandis* are averaging 22,000–25,000 bags. Sources suggest that arrivals in Rajasthan's *mandis* are expected to increase in the coming days. However, due to the delayed arrival of new stock, a concentrated pressure of arrivals is anticipated during the month of April. However, due to a decline in production, arrivals in Gujarat's markets are expected to remain within a limited range.
Prices
Driven by low arrivals and rising domestic demand, cumin prices during the current week have risen by approximately ₹8–10 per kg, reaching a range of ₹190–220 per kg. Prices also remained firm in Rajasthan's markets, as the arrival of new stock remains limited so far. Sources indicate that exports are being adversely affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, a recovery in prices is possible once the conflict ends and export demand resurfaces in the market.
Declining Exports
According to data released by the Spices Board, during the first nine months of the current financial year (2025–26), cumin exports declined by 12 percent in terms of volume, while revenue fell by 26 percent due to lower realization prices. According to available information, 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. Cumin exports in January 2026 also remained lower compared to the previous year. Data indicates that in January 2026, cumin exports amounted to 10,206.53 tonnes, whereas exports in January 2025 had stood at 18,203.64 tonnes. During the financial year 2024–25, total cumin exports amounted to 229,881.67 tonnes, generating export revenue of ₹6,178.86 crore.