No likelihood of a decline in fennel prices
19-Aug-2026 07:13 PM
New Delhi: Currently, fennel prices remain stable due to subdued export activity; however, sources indicate that prices are set to rise again in the coming days due to a shortage of stocks. It is worth noting that *I-Grain India* had advised its readers in the June 30th issue that there was no bearish trend in fennel prices; at that time, the export price was ₹99–100 per kg, a figure that has since risen to ₹109–110 per kg.
Notably, for the current season, fennel sowing was carried out on a smaller area in regions outside the major producing states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Furthermore, unseasonal rains in Rajasthan following the sowing period caused damage to the crop in March. Consequently, the country's fennel production for the current season is estimated at around 16–17 lakh bags (55 kg per bag), whereas production estimates for the previous year stood at 18–19 lakh bags.
Market Arrivals
As the bulk of the total produce has already reached the markets, current arrivals are quite low. Arrivals at the major market of Unjha have dropped to just 2,000 bags, while the Merta and Nagaur markets in Rajasthan are recording arrivals of 800–1,000 bags. Prices for average-quality fennel in the markets are being quoted at ₹9,000–11,000 per quintal. Sources state that approximately 75–80% of the total produce from Gujarat has already arrived in the markets, while arrivals from Rajasthan are estimated to be around 60–70%. It is noteworthy that production estimates for the current season were 7–7.50 lakh bags for Gujarat and 7.50–8 lakh bags for Rajasthan. Additionally, production in other regions was estimated at 1.5–2 lakh bags.
Stocks
Sources indicate that the current stock of fennel seeds in the markets of producing centers is estimated at 700,000 to 800,000 bags. Stocks are likely around 400,000–450,000 bags in Gujarat and 300,000–350,000 bags in Rajasthan. The majority of export trade takes place through markets in Gujarat.
No Downturn
Currently, the rise in fennel prices has stalled due to subdued export demand, and prices have remained stable over the past week. However, prices are expected to rise in the coming days as market arrivals have dwindled and stocks are low. Notably, fennel export prices stood at ₹95–96 in May, rose to ₹99–100 in June, and are currently being quoted at ₹109–110.
Exports
After a sharp decline in fennel exports during the 2025-26 (April-March) year, an improvement has been recorded in the first two months of the current 2026-27 season. According to data released by the Spices Board, fennel exports totaled 5,980 tonnes, generating revenue of ₹88.28 crore during April-May 2026; in contrast, exports stood at 5,885 tonnes with revenue of ₹78.66 crore during April-May 2025. For context, total fennel exports in 2025-26 were 33,038 tonnes (revenue: ₹421.22 crore), whereas in 2024-25, total exports were 76,586 tonnes (revenue: ₹765.44 crore).