Chances of a sharp rise in cumin due to excess stock and weak demand are low

13-Jun-2025 08:32 PM

Rajkot. Producers and stockists in Gujarat and Rajasthan—the two major cumin-producing states—continue to hold substantial stock, while both domestic and export demand remain weak.

In Rajasthan, a higher volume of low-quality cumin is arriving in the markets, being offloaded at lower prices, which is also pulling down the prices of better-quality cumin.

Both states witnessed bumper production in the last season. Despite good exports in the financial year 2024–25, a large carryover stock remains. As a result, even though production has declined in the 2024–25 season, the overall availability of cumin is still comfortable.

Significant stocks are reported in Jodhpur, Barmer, and Bikaner in Rajasthan, and in Mehsana, Unjha, and Saurashtra divisions of Gujarat. Producers and stockists are keen to sell, but the current market faces sluggish demand.

Exporters are hesitant to purchase at high prices, and stockists are facing liquidity issues. Speculators are also likely to cap any sharp rise in futures trading. Many exporters who purchased cumin at high prices earlier are now stuck with unsold inventory.

Additionally, new crop arrivals are expected to start in other major producing countries from next month, which may add to the competition and pressure Indian exporters.

Currently, the price of average quality cumin in Unjha mandi, Gujarat’s key trading hub, has dropped from ₹4900–5000 per 20 kg in January to Rs. 4200–4225 per 20 kg.

In Rajasthan, prices are between Rs. 3700–3850 per 20 kg. Unless export demand strengthens significantly, prices are likely to remain within a limited range without major upward movement.