No Major Downturn in Fenugreek Prices Due to Declining Production
01-Apr-2026 06:38 PM
New Delhi: During the current season, the area under fenugreek cultivation in major producing states—Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan—as well as in Gujarat, has contracted by 12 percent, falling to 1.15 lakh hectares. Consequently, the country's overall fenugreek production is expected to remain lower compared to last year. However, following the recent sowing phase, favorable weather conditions for the crop have led to estimates projecting a 1 percent increase in yield per hectare.
According to available data, fenugreek sowing in Madhya Pradesh—a key producing state—covered an area of 55.40 thousand hectares during the current season, whereas last year, the sown area stood at 64 thousand hectares. In Rajasthan, the sown area was recorded at 41.75 thousand hectares, down from 47.75 thousand hectares last year. In Gujarat, sowing declined by 6 percent compared to the previous year, settling at 17.50 thousand hectares.
Production Estimates
Market experts suggest that fenugreek production across the country during the current season is estimated at 15.20 lakh quintals, whereas last year's production was recorded at 17.16 lakh quintals. According to reports, production in the major producing state of Madhya Pradesh is projected at 7.38 lakh quintals, compared to 8.49 lakh quintals last year. In Rajasthan, reports indicate that production is expected to reach 5.40 lakh quintals, down from 6.09 lakh quintals last year. In Gujarat, production is reported to be 2.42 lakh quintals, whereas last year's production figure was 2.57 lakh quintals.
Market Arrivals
Arrivals of the new crop have commenced at the *mandis* (wholesale markets) in the producing centers; however, trading is currently stalled in the markets of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh due to public holidays. Meanwhile, at the Kota market in Rajasthan, arrivals of new fenugreek totaled 400–500 bags, with prices being quoted in the range of ₹5,800 to ₹6,200 per quintal. At the Nokha Mandi, prices ranged between ₹5,600 and ₹5,800, with arrivals totaling 400 to 500 bags. Sources suggest that if pressure from increased arrivals builds up in the mandis during April, prices could decline by ₹3 to ₹5; however, there appear to be no prospects for a more significant downturn.
Exports
According to data released by the Spices Board, fenugreek exports rose by 13 percent during the first ten months of the current financial year (2025–26), while export earnings recorded a growth of 2 percent. As per the information received, fenugreek exports during the April–January 2026 period amounted to 40,633 tonnes, generating export earnings of ₹304.97 crore. In comparison, exports during the April–January 2025 period stood at 35,907 tonnes, with earnings from exports totaling ₹298.14 crore.