Spices sowing lagged

28-Nov-2024 09:43 AM

Spices sowing lagged
The recent sowing data indicates a concerning trend for spice production in India, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan, two key states for spices like cumin, coriander, isabgol, and fennel. According to reports from the Agriculture Department, the sowing of these spices has significantly lagged behind the usual pace:
Cumin sowing in Gujarat stands at only 15% of the average area (3.8 lakh hectares), signaling a major drop.
Coriander sowing is at just 10%.
Isabgol has reached only 5.59% of its usual sowing area.
Fennel sowing is similarly low at 12.65%.
This slow pace of sowing in these key spice crops is also observed in Rajasthan, suggesting a widespread issue.
The delay in sowing has raised concerns about future productivity. The more the sowing is delayed, the greater the potential impact on yields and overall production in the coming months. Experts predict that the total area under cumin and coriander could fall by 5-10% this year compared to last.
On the positive side, there may be a price surge if international demand for spices, particularly in light of Ramzan, rises. This could potentially lead to higher market prices due to reduced domestic supply amidst increased foreign demand.
In summary, the delayed sowing of spices in Gujarat and Rajasthan could lead to lower yields, which might result in higher prices, especially if external demand picks up during Ramzan.