New Delhi. Informed sources state that cumin prices are currently hovering at low levels. No major fluctuations—either up or down—are anticipated in the immediate future; the market is likely to see only minor variations of ₹3–5. Although arrivals of cumin at markets in producing regions have remained limited, prices remain subdued due to sluggish local and export trade. Notably, cumin exports have been affected recently by conflicts in Middle Eastern countries. There is no immediate prospect of a rise in export demand, as arrivals of the new cumin crop in China are set to begin by the end of this month. Reports indicate that China's cumin production this year will be 5–10% higher than last year. Meanwhile, arrivals of the new crop in Turkey and Syria will commence in July, which will likely keep Indian cumin exports low. Domestic cumin production for the current season has been lower compared to the previous year. While production in Rajasthan exceeded last year's figures, reports suggest a decline in Gujarat's output. According to available data, Gujarat's production fell from 44–45 lakh bags last year to 32–34 lakh bags this year. Conversely, trade estimates place Rajasthan's production at 57–58 lakh bags this year, up from the 51–52 lakh bags recorded last year.

Currently, cumin arrivals at markets in producing regions have stabilized at normal levels. Arrivals at Unjha—Gujarat's major market—stand at 10,000–11,000 bags, while markets in Rajkot and Gondal are recording arrivals of 800–1,000 bags. Arrivals in Rajasthan's Merta market are currently ranging between 2,500 and 3,000 bags, while Nagaur is seeing 1,500 to 2,000 bags. Arrivals in Jodhpur have dropped to the 1,200–1,500 bag range. Sources indicate that approximately 75–80% of the total produce has already reached the markets in Gujarat, whereas estimates suggest that 50–60% of the produce is expected to arrive in Rajasthan's markets. Sources report that Gujarat's markets have received around 28–30 lakh bags of cumin so far, while arrivals in Rajasthan are projected to reach 22–23 lakh bags.

Market experts state that there is no likelihood of a decline in current cumin prices. This is because arrivals in the markets have decreased, while local demand is expected to improve in the coming days. Exports will also continue in sporadic quantities. Currently, cumin prices at production-center markets are hovering between ₹175 and ₹200 per kilogram. While minor price fluctuations of ₹3–5 per kilogram may persist, prices are likely to rise during August and September.

During the 2025-26 fiscal year (April–March), cumin exports declined by 14% in terms of volume. Simultaneously, export earnings fell by 25% due to lower export prices. According to data released by the Spices Board, cumin exports totaled 196,800 tonnes in 2025-26, generating revenue of ₹4,611.15 crore. In contrast, exports stood at 229,881 tonnes with earnings of ₹6,178.86 crore during the 2024-25 fiscal year.