The sowing of cumin in Gujarat has seen a notable decline this season, with the area devoted to its cultivation decreasing by 15.62%, or 87,700 hectares, compared to last year.

According to data from the State Agriculture Department, the cumin cultivation area has dropped from 5,61,300 hectares in 2024 to 4,73,600 hectares in 2025. However, this reduction still represents an area larger than the average area of 3,81,424 hectares typically sown with cumin in previous years.

This decrease in cumin acreage has been observed across all major producing regions of Gujarat. The Saurashtra division, which is the most significant producer, saw a drop of 18.85%, from 3.94 lakh hectares to 3.20 lakh hectares.

In North Gujarat, the area reduced by 15.80%, from 94,000 hectares to 79,000 hectares. In Central Gujarat, the area fell from 18,000 hectares to 13,000 hectares, while in Kutch division, the area increased from 55,000 hectares to 62,000 hectares.

The decline in cumin cultivation can be attributed to changes in the domestic market price. In 2024, cumin prices had soared to an all-time high, prompting farmers to increase its cultivation.

However, in 2025, cumin prices returned to normal levels, leading farmers to shift their focus toward more profitable crops like wheat, gram, and maize.

Despite this decline, the area under cumin cultivation in Gujarat this year remains higher than in many previous years.