Futures Trading in Black Pepper Likely to Begin on NCDEX Next Month

24-Apr-2026 04:53 PM

Mumbai. Futures contracts for black pepper are expected to commence on the platform of the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX)—a leading exchange operating futures trading in various commodities at the national level—starting in May 2026.

According to informed sources, the exchange recently received approval from the market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), to launch futures contracts for black pepper.

The initial contract is likely to be for a one-month duration, expiring in June. The delivery center for black pepper will be located in Kochi, Kerala, and delivery of the commodity will be mandatory under the terms of the contract. Although the exchange management has not yet issued an official announcement in this regard, it appears that the path for the futures contracts has been cleared.

It is noteworthy that in December 2025, the exchange's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) had stated that plans were being formulated to launch futures trading in black pepper during 2026.

Futures trading in black pepper was previously conducted on commodity exchanges; however, it was subsequently banned following the emergence of certain legal and regulatory issues.