New Delhi. Cumin prices have recently improved. Prices are being quoted strongly in both spot markets and futures. While spot markets saw a rise of ₹300-₹500 per quintal, December cumin futures opened at ₹21,740 and closed at ₹22,180 at the end of the week. January futures closed at ₹22,480, while the price opened at ₹21,845 at the beginning of the week.

Currently, cumin sowing is in full swing at producing centers, and traders say that this year, cumin will be sown on a 15-20 percent smaller area in Gujarat compared to last year. However, data released by the Gujarat Agriculture Department during the current month shows a higher area under cultivation compared to last year, a finding that traders disagree. Cumin sowing in Rajasthan may be similar to last year's or slightly lower. It's worth noting that last year, cumin was sown on 11.71 lakh hectares in the country, while in 2024, cumin was sown on 12.64 lakh hectares.

Experts say that due to reduced exports to China during the current season, Indian cumin exports have been affected. Consequently, there is sufficient stock of cumin at producing centers. Sources indicate that farmers currently have a stock of 15-20 lakh bags. Additionally, there are reports of 20-25 lakh bags in the markets of producing centers, which is sufficient until the arrival of the new crop. Arrivals of new goods are expected to begin in January.

Sources say that due to the increased stock, daily cumin arrivals in the markets are higher than in previous years. Daily arrivals in the markets of Gujarat, a major producing state, are 20,000-22,000 bags, compared to 14,000-15,000 bags during the same period last year. Rajasthan markets are also seeing daily arrivals of 7,000-8,000 bags, which is higher than last year.

Experts say that current cumin prices are unlikely to rise further. While export demand is limited, arrivals remain consistent. Cumin export prices have seen a significant increase over the past fortnight. According to information received, the export price of cumin on November 13, 2025, was ₹4,030 per 20 kg, which is currently being quoted at ₹4,250. Sources say that the export price of cumin may reach ₹4,300 in the coming days. However, a further increase is not possible at this time. Further fluctuations will be made only after the sowing situation becomes clear. If sowing is satisfactory, the current price of cumin will continue to fluctuate between ₹300 and ₹500 per quintal.

Due to producers not receiving a fair price for their produce, it is expected that cumin production in the country will decline for the second consecutive year. It is noteworthy that cumin production in the country was estimated to be 11 million bags (each bag weighing 55 kg) in 2024, which declined to 90/92 lakh bags in 2025. Given the current situation, it is expected that production will decline further in 2026.

Sources indicate that cumin exports have declined during the current season due to weak demand from exporting countries. According to data released by the Spices Board, Indian cumin exports totaled 92,810 tonnes in April-August 2025, a 17 percent decline compared to the same period last year. Due to lower prices and reduced export volumes, export revenue declined by 28 percent to ₹2,208.73 crore.