Weekly Review – Cumin
11-Apr-2026 07:59 PM
Decline in Cumin Prices: Low Export Demand
New Delhi: Cumin prices remained subdued during the current week. Although reports suggest that domestic cumin production during the current season is lower compared to last year, prices in the spot markets were quoted lower by ₹4–5 per kg due to satisfactory arrivals at markets in producing centers and weak demand from exporters. Sources indicate that there are currently no immediate prospects for a significant price surge, as the arrival of new cumin is expected to be in full swing in Rajasthan's markets during the current week. Arrivals are also proceeding well in the markets of Gujarat. Prices are bound to recover once the volume of arrivals begins to decline.
Lower Yield
In the major producing states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the sown area this year stood at 11.18 lakh hectares, whereas last year, sowing was undertaken across 11.71 lakh hectares. Following the sowing phase, weather conditions also proved unfavorable for the crop. Consequently, domestic cumin production during the current season is estimated to range between 88 and 90 lakh bags, whereas last year's production was estimated at 97 to 98 lakh bags. Trade estimates suggest that cumin production in Gujarat will hover around 32 to 35 lakh bags, while in Rajasthan, it is expected to be around 52 to 55 lakh bags.
Arrivals
Currently, the daily arrival of new cumin in the markets of the major producing state, Gujarat, stands at 80,000 to 85,000 bags, with the Unjha market alone accounting for arrivals of 45,000 to 50,000 bags. Meanwhile, the average daily arrival in Rajasthan's markets is running at 50,000 to 55,000 bags. In Merta—a major market in Rajasthan—arrivals are currently at 18,000 to 20,000 bags. Due to a delay in arrivals, the pressure of incoming supplies is expected to persist in Rajasthan's markets throughout the month of April this year. **Prices**
Due to weak demand and increasing arrivals, Cumin prices witnessed a decline of ₹4–5 per kilogram during the current week. In the markets of Gujarat, Cumin prices are currently being quoted between ₹185 and ₹220 per kilogram, depending on the quality. In the markets of Rajasthan, the price for average-quality Cumin is being quoted at ₹190–225 per kilogram. Currently, the export price for Cumin is being quoted at ₹4,250 per 20 kilograms.
No Major Downturn Expected
Market experts suggest that there is little likelihood of a significant decline in current Cumin prices. This is because the daily arrivals of Cumin in the markets are expected to begin decreasing in the coming days. Conversely, purchases by China and Bangladesh are projected to increase during the months of April and May. Consequently, Cumin prices are expected to remain firm in the near future.
Exports
During the current season (2025–26), Cumin exports have declined by 15 percent; furthermore, revenue has recorded a 28 percent drop due to lower export realizations. According to data released by the Spices Board, Cumin exports during the first 10 months of the current season (April 2025 – January 2026) totaled 166,878 tonnes, generating revenue of ₹3,885.33 crore. In comparison, during the same period last year, Cumin exports stood at 197,050 tonnes, yielding a revenue of ₹5,386.32 crore. In the year 2024–25, total Cumin exports amounted to 229,881 tonnes. The record for Cumin exports was set in the year 2020–21, when shipments reached 298,423 tonnes.