Weekly Review-Coriander
01-Feb-2025 08:21 PM
Delay in arrival of coriander: Production less than last year
This weekly review highlights the current state of coriander production and market dynamics in India, focusing on several key points:
Delayed Arrival and Reduced Sowing: Due to high temperatures at production centers, coriander sowing was delayed by 15–20 days. This has led to a late start for the arrival of new crops in markets, especially in Gujarat, the largest producer state. The arrival of coriander is expected to pick up by mid-February.
Sowing Area Reduction: The sowing area for coriander is expected to decrease by 20-25% in key producing states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh compared to last year. The total sown area across the country has fallen from 4.95 lakh hectares in 2023 to an estimated 3.65 lakh hectares in 2024. Projections for 2025 are even lower, with sowing expected to reach only 3.25–3.50 lakh hectares.
Production Estimate: The total production of coriander in India for 2025 is estimated to be around 85-90 lakh bags, with Gujarat producing 38-40 lakh bags, Rajasthan 14-15 lakh bags, and Madhya Pradesh 32-35 lakh bags. This is significantly lower than the 1.10 crore bags produced in 2024 and 1.60 crore bags in 2023.
Availability vs. Consumption: The availability of coriander in 2025 is expected to fall short of consumption, which is estimated at 135-140 lakh bags annually. While production is expected to be 85-90 lakh bags, there is also an outstanding stock of 35-40 lakh bags, which brings the total availability to around 120-130 lakh bags.
Price Trends: While coriander prices are currently stable due to good arrivals, there are expectations for a price increase once arrivals slow down. The current market prices for coriander eagle are around Rs 70-72 per kg, and Badami coriander is priced at Rs 68-70 per kg. There is a possibility of prices reaching the levels seen in 2022, where they peaked at Rs 110-115 per kg.
Imports and Exports: While domestic production is sufficient, lower prices of imported coriander have led to increased imports in recent years. However, imports are expected to be lower in the 2024-25 season. Export figures have decreased significantly in 2024, with a 55% drop in the first seven months compared to last year. In 2023-24, India exported a record 108,624 tonnes of coriander, but exports for 2024 have only reached 34,365 tonnes so far.
In summary, while the sowing area for coriander has decreased and production estimates for 2025 are lower than in previous years, there is potential for prices to rise once the current supply pressure eases. The market dynamics also suggest a reduction in exports and imports during the current season.