No likelihood of a decline in fennel prices
09-Sep-2026 07:14 PM
New Delhi. Fennel prices have been firm for some time now. Sources indicate that, alongside a drop in daily market arrivals at production centers, there is an improvement in both local and export demand. Notably, the export price for fennel, which was quoted at ₹109–110 per kg in August 2026, has now risen to ₹118–119 per kg. In June, the export price stood at ₹99–100. Sources express concern that a lack of rainfall at production centers could adversely affect fennel sowing for the upcoming season. It is worth noting that fennel sowing covered 92,000–93,000 hectares in 2024, a figure that dropped to 85,000–86,000 hectares in 2025. Fennel is primarily produced in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Due to the reduction in sowing area during the previous season, a decline in production has also been recorded for the current season; fennel production fell from 18–19 lakh bags (55 kg per bag) in 2025 to 16–17 lakh bags in 2026.
Arrivals
As the majority of the total produce has already reached the markets, current market arrivals are quite low. Arrivals at Unjha, a major market in Gujarat, have dropped to 2,000–2,200 bags, while arrivals at Merta and Nagaur in Rajasthan stand at 600–700 bags. Prices for average-quality fennel are being quoted in the range of ₹95–120 per kg. Sources estimate that approximately 75–80% of the total produce from Gujarat and 70–75% from Rajasthan has already arrived in the markets. For the current season, fennel production was estimated at 7–7.50 lakh bags in Gujarat and 7.5–8 lakh bags in Rajasthan. Production in other regions was estimated at 1.5–2 lakh bags.
Stocks
Currently, fennel stocks across major markets in Rajasthan and Gujarat are estimated at 7–8 lakh bags. Stocks in the key producing state of Gujarat are estimated at 4–4.50 lakh bags, while Rajasthan holds 3–3.50 lakh bags. The majority of fennel export trade originates from Gujarat.
No Downturn
Fennel prices have been gradually rising for some time, and the trend is expected to remain firm in the coming days. Notably, export prices stood at ₹95–96 per kg in May, rising to ₹99–100 per kg in June. Prices climbed further to ₹109–110 per kg during July–August, and quotes reached ₹118–119 per kg in September. Given the current situation, prices are likely to remain strong in the near future.
Exports
In the first quarter of the 2026–27 fiscal year, the volume of fennel exports declined by 7 percent; however, earnings rose by 6 percent due to favorable export prices. According to data released by the Spices Board, fennel exports totaled 8,318 tonnes during April–June 2026, generating revenue of ₹124 crore. In contrast, exports during April–June 2025 stood at 8,907 tonnes, with earnings of ₹117.43 crore. For the full 2025–26 fiscal year (April–March), total fennel exports amounted to 33,038 tonnes, yielding revenue of ₹421.22 crore.