Low Trading Volume in Coriander; Prices Soften
New Delhi: Trading activity in coriander remained subdued during the current week, with prices staying under pressure. Sources indicate that buying by those preparing for the sowing season is likely to increase soon. Meanwhile, market arrivals have dropped significantly, a factor that should ideally lead to a recovery in coriander prices. It is worth noting that earlier in the season, low domestic production had driven prices to record highs at both producing-region markets and consumption centers; specifically, the price of 'Eagle' variety coriander had touched the ₹155–158 level at producing-region markets. However, high prices dampened demand, and simultaneous imports caused rates to decline; currently, the price of 'Eagle' coriander at producing-region markets has settled at ₹142–145. Nevertheless, sources predict that rising demand this month could trigger a price increase of ₹5–8 per kilogram.
Low Arrivals
As the bulk of the total harvest has already reached the markets, fresh arrivals from farmers have dwindled significantly. Arrivals stand at 1,000 bags in Gondal (Gujarat's major market) and 150–200 bags in Rajkot. In Rajasthan, arrivals are recorded at 1,800–2,000 bags in Ramganj, and 400–500 bags each in Baran and Kota. In Madhya Pradesh, arrivals are running at 1,500–2,000 bags in Guna and 1,000–1,500 bags in Kumbhraj, while Neemuch market recorded arrivals of 700–800 bags.
Low Production
Coriander production in the country has been declining over the past three years because growers are not receiving fair prices for their produce. According to available data, national coriander production reached a record high of 16 million (1.60 crore) bags in 2023, but dropped to 12 million (1.20 crore) bags in 2024 and 11 million (1.10 crore) bags in 2025. Production for the current 2026 season is estimated at 9.5 to 9.7 million (95–97 lakh) bags.
Stock
Due to the drop in yields, existing stocks are being consumed annually. Sources indicate that at the start of the current season, coriander stocks at production centers stood at 2.4 to 2.5 million (24–25 lakh) bags, a volume expected to be fully depleted this year. Currently, stocks in the major producing state of Gujarat are estimated at 0.8 to 1.0 million (8–10 lakh) bags, while estimates for Madhya Pradesh range from 1.0 to 1.2 million (10–12 lakh) bags. Stocks in Rajasthan are likely around 0.4 to 0.5 million (4–5 lakh) bags.
Sowing
Coriander sowing operations at production centers are set to begin by the end of this month. Driven by the record surge in prices this year, it is anticipated that the area under coriander cultivation will increase by 30–40 percent compared to the previous year. Notably, coriander was sown on 297,000 hectares for the 2026 season, whereas the sown area stood at 336,000 hectares in 2025. Coriander is primarily produced in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
No Significant Downturn
Currently, coriander prices are trading with a soft trend; however, a significant drop in prices is unlikely due to low stock levels and the fact that existing stocks are held by strong hands. Sources estimate current coriander stocks at production centers to be around 24–25 lakh bags, while there are still approximately six months remaining before the arrival of the new crop. The requirement for the next six months is estimated at 42–45 lakh bags; consequently, expectations are that coriander prices will rise again in the future.
Exports
Due to high prices, the volume of coriander exports declined by 24 percent in the first quarter of 2026–27; however, export earnings increased by 12 percent owing to higher realization rates. According to data released by the Spices Board, coriander exports totaled 14,556 tonnes during April–June 2026, generating earnings of ₹214.52 crore. In contrast, exports during April–June 2025 stood at 19,101 tonnes, with earnings of ₹191.57 crore. For the full year 2025–26 (April–March), total coriander exports amounted to 60,211 tonnes, yielding earnings of ₹679.70 crore.
