Rise in Castor Sowing, Cumin Acreage Likely to Decline
05-Aug-2025 11:18 AM
Rise in Castor Sowing, Cumin Acreage Likely to Decline
★ This year, castor seed acreage is on the rise as falling cumin prices and record-high castor prices are prompting farmers to shift crops.
★ Castor prices have increased by Rs. 500 per quintal compared to last year and are currently ruling around Rs. 6,500 per quintal. In contrast, cumin prices have dropped from Rs. 25,000 to around Rs. 15,000 per quintal.
★ According to the Ministry of Agriculture, castor sowing had reached 1.79 lakh hectares as of August 4, 2025—38% higher than last year's 1.29 lakh hectares. While the normal area under castor is 9.65 lakh hectares, the initial trend is seen as encouraging.
★ As per the third advance estimates, castor production for 2024–25 is projected at 17.30 lakh tonnes, lower than 19.59 lakh tonnes in 2023–24.
★ Changing sowing trends have also pushed coriander prices up—from Rs. 6,700 in June to Rs. 7,900 per quintal currently.
★ Meanwhile, cumin arrivals at Gujarat's Unjha mandi fell by 10% in the first half of 2025. Although exports rose by 12% in April compared to March, year-on-year they were down by more than 90%.
★ High castor prices and its low cultivation cost are making it a more attractive option for farmers. If the current trend continues, cumin sowing could decline in the upcoming rabi season, which may lend medium to long-term support to cumin prices.