Prices of carom seeds suppressed due to increased production and arrivals

16-Apr-2025 07:15 PM

New Delhi. Carom seed prices remain under pressure as fresh arrivals from Gujarat, the key producing state, continue to rise. Following a bumper winter harvest, the summer crop in Gujarat is also reported to be higher than last year, adding to market supplies. While states like Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra produce carom seeds mainly during winter, Gujarat cultivates the crop in both winter and summer seasons.

Production Trends:
Informed sources estimate the summer crop output in Gujarat at 6 to 6.5 lakh bags this year, nearly double last year’s 3 to 3.5 lakh bags. Winter crop production also increased to about 1 lakh bags, compared to 70,000 to 80,000 bags last year. Andhra Pradesh has recorded a drop in production for the second consecutive year—from 2.25 lakh bags in 2023 to 1.40–1.50 lakh bags in 2025. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have maintained last year’s output of 70,000–80,000 bags, while Maharashtra’s Nandurwar belt contributed around 15,000–20,000 bags.

Arrivals and Market Sentiment:
Daily arrivals in Gujarat’s Jamnagar mandi have reached 4,000 bags, with prices ranging from Rs 95 to Rs 160 per kg based on quality. Unjha is receiving 2,500–3,000 bags per day, while Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) and Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh) are reporting arrivals of 440–500 bags. However, demand remains weak and quality is reportedly poor, especially in non-Gujarat regions.

Price Outlook:
Market sources suggest there is limited upside for prices in the near term due to continued pressure from high arrivals, particularly in Gujarat. The high temperatures are also expected to affect crop quality. Any significant price movement is unlikely before June–July, once the current arrival pressure subsides. Until then, prices are expected to remain in a narrow range