New Delhi. Although adequate rainfall in the major producing states of Rajasthan and Gujarat has maintained soil moisture during the current season, sources say that due to continuously falling prices, it is expected that the cumin acreage in the country will decrease for the second consecutive year. Sowing operations will begin at production centers in October. According to information received, cumin acreage in the country during the year 2024 was sown on 12.64 lakh hectares, which has decreased to 11.71 lakh hectares in the year 2025. Given current prices, trade expectations are that the sowing acreage will also decrease for the year 2026, as farmers are not receiving a fair price for their produce.

Currently, cumin prices are trading around ₹70/₹80 per kg lower than last year at both the producing markets and consumption centers. It is noteworthy that during September 2024, the average quality cumin price in Rajkot, Gondal, and Unjha markets was ₹240/₹250 per kg. In the Delhi market, the Double Deepak brand was being quoted at ₹280. Currently, the price of cumin in Gondal, Rajkot, and Unjha markets is ₹165/₹180. The price of Double Deepak in the Delhi market is ₹208/₹210, but there is a lack of demand at these prices.

Due to the arrival of most of the total production in the markets, the arrival in the markets is currently limited. Arrivals at the main Unjha market are 8,000-9,000 bags, while Gondal and Rajkot are 1,500-2,000 bags. Arrivals at Rajasthan's Medta market are 1,500-2,000 bags, while arrivals in Nagaur and Jodhpur are 800-1,000 bags. Reports indicate that approximately 70-75 percent of the total production has arrived in the markets. Thirty farmers have 25-30 percent of the stock, which will gradually reach the market, as the new crop is still about 4-5 months away.

Experts say that significant price increases are unlikely in the near future. Export demand for Indian cumin is weak due to the steady supply of cumin from Turkey, Syria, and Afghanistan in the international market. It is noteworthy that at the end of August, the export price of Indian cumin was quoted at ₹3,900 per 20 kg, which is currently trading at ₹3,750. Currently, the market has fluctuated between ₹3 and ₹5 per kg. Further fluctuations will be anticipated in the coming days once sowing reports at production centers become clear. However, sources believe that further declines are unlikely at current prices. Prices have fallen significantly, and the supply of foreign cumin to the international market will also begin to decline in the coming days. Consequently, Indian cumin exports are expected to increase in October-November, with local demand also expected to increase. Weak exports will also begin, in addition to the festive season and wedding season.

Due to weak export demand, cumin exports declined by 19 percent in volume and 29 percent in revenue in the first four months of the current financial year 2025-26. According to information received from the Spices Board, cumin exports during April-July 2025 were 78278 tonnes, and export revenue was ₹1871.79 crore. Whereas during April-July 2024, cumin exports were 97168 tonnes, and revenue was ₹2652.46 crore. During the year 2024-25 (April-March), cumin exports totaled 229881.67 tonnes, and export revenue was ₹6178.86 crore.