Fennel prices may ease, but sharp fall unlikely

18-Apr-2025 06:59 PM

New Delhi. Fennel prices have seen a slowdown due to the steady arrival of new crops and weak demand in both export and domestic markets. However, a major price drop is not expected as production has fallen significantly this season.

This year, fennel was sown on just 92,000 hectares in key producing states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, down from 1.97 lakh hectares last year.

Production is estimated at 18–20 lakh bags, compared to 38–39 lakh bags last season and 20–22 lakh bags in 2023.

In Gujarat’s Unjha market, arrivals are currently 22,000–25,000 bags daily, while Rajasthan’s Nagaur and Medta markets are seeing 2,500–3,000 bags.

Export prices have slipped to Rs 106–107 per kg this week from Rs 113–114 earlier. Spot prices have also fallen by Rs 4–5 per kg.

Sources suggest prices may drop another Rs 3–4 before stabilizing. A rebound is likely once arrivals ease.

Despite current sluggishness, fennel exports surged by 110 percent in April–December 2024. India exported 67,154 tonnes worth Rs 64,701 lakh, up from 31,939 tonnes worth Rs 55,511 lakh in the same period last year—a 17 percent jump in earnings.