Fennel Prices Rise Due to Lower Production

30-Jun-2026 07:19 PM

New Delhi. Due to a decline in fennel production during the current season, market arrivals have not increased as expected. With the bulk of the total produce already having reached the markets, arrivals have now begun to taper off. Notably, fennel was sown across approximately 85,000–86,000 hectares in major producing states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, as well as other regions, compared to 92,000–93,000 hectares the previous year. Reports indicate that in the key producing state of Gujarat, sowing covered 38,000 hectares this year, down from 45,000 hectares last year. Sowing in Rajasthan remained steady at 38,000 hectares, matching the previous year's figure, while in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, the area sown increased to 9,000 hectares from 8,500 hectares. Crop conditions were favorable in most regions, except in Rajasthan, where unseasonal rains in March caused a 10–15% loss to the crop.

Traders report a decline in fennel production this year, attributed to the reduced sowing area and adverse weather conditions following the sowing period. It is worth noting that while national fennel production was estimated at approximately 1.9 million bags (55 kg per bag) last year, it is projected to drop to 1.8 million bags in the current season.

Arrivals

Daily arrivals of fennel at markets in producing centers have started to decline. Arrivals at the Unjha market in Gujarat—a major producing state—have dropped to 3,000–4,000 bags, while arrivals at the Merta and Nagaur markets in Rajasthan have fallen to 1,500–2,000 bags. Sources indicate that 65–70% of the total produce from Gujarat has already arrived in the markets (*mandis*), while 50–60% of the produce from Rajasthan has arrived.

Production

Fennel seed production in Gujarat for the current fiscal year is estimated at 8 lakh bags, while production in Rajasthan is projected to be between 8 and 8.50 lakh bags. Additionally, production in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh is estimated at approximately 2 lakh bags.

Firm Prices

Fennel prices are currently trading firm. While market arrivals have declined, buying activity by exporters has improved. Notably, fennel export trade was taking place at ₹95–96 per unit in May, whereas it is currently trading at ₹99–100. Sources suggest that fennel prices are likely to remain strong in the coming days due to low stock levels and reduced market arrivals.

Exports

According to data released by the Spices Board, fennel exports totaled 33,038 tonnes during the 2025–26 year (April–March), generating revenue of ₹421.22 crore. In contrast, total fennel exports during 2024–25 stood at 76,586 tonnes, with earnings of ₹765.44 crore. In April 2026, fennel exports were 14% lower compared to the previous year; however, a 2% increase in revenue was recorded due to favorable export prices. Reports indicate that fennel exports in April 2026 amounted to 2,251.35 tonnes, yielding revenue of ₹34.36 crore. In contrast, fennel exports in April 2025 stood at 2,623.40 tonnes, with export earnings amounting to ₹33.91 crore.