New Delhi. Cumin prices remained firm during the current week. Prices were quoted higher in both the spot and futures markets. In the spot markets, cumin prices increased by Rs. 400-600 per quintal during the week. In the futures market, January cumin opened at Rs. 21190 and closed at Rs. 22400 at the end of the week. The March contract closed at Rs. 23340 at the end of the week, compared to an opening price of Rs. 21655.

Traders say that reports indicate that cumin sowing in the major producing states of Gujarat and Rajasthan is lower this season compared to last year. According to data released by the Gujarat Agriculture Department at the beginning of the week, cumin sowing in the state was done on 3.54 lakh hectares, while in the same period last year, sowing was done on 4.42 lakh hectares. Cumin sowing in Gujarat is almost complete. Reports also suggest that cumin sowing in Rajasthan is 10-15 percent lower than last year. Last year, the total cumin sowing in the country was 11.71 lakh hectares, while in 2024, the sown area was 12.64 lakh hectares.

Sources say that due to lower exports this season, there are sufficient stocks of cumin at the production centers. Currently, the stock of cumin at the mandis (wholesale markets) of the production centers is estimated to be 18-20 lakh bags. In addition, there is likely to be a stock of 10-15 lakh bags with farmers. Arrivals of new cumin will begin in the mandis of Gujarat from next month, while arrivals in the mandis of Rajasthan will begin in March.

However, due to sufficient stock, a prolonged surge in cumin prices is unlikely. The recent price increase is mainly attributed to weak sowing in the producing centers. News of reduced sowing has created a bullish sentiment in the market, leading to a rise in both futures and spot prices. Although export demand remained low, export prices also increased to Rs. 4360 per 20 kg, compared to Rs. 4250 at the beginning of the current month. However, in the middle of the current month, the export price had briefly fallen to Rs. 4100/4110.

Based on the sowing reports from the producing centers, it is expected that cumin production in the country will decline for the second consecutive year. According to available information, the total cumin production in the country during 2024 was 11 million bags, which decreased to 9-9.2 million bags (each bag weighing 55 kg) in 2025. Due to reduced sowing during the current season, it is expected that cumin production in 2026 will be limited to 8-8.2 million bags, provided the weather remains favorable for the crop in the coming days.

Due to weak demand from China and Bangladesh, cumin exports in quantitative terms decreased by 13 percent during the first seven months of the current season, while revenue also decreased by 27 percent due to lower export prices. According to data released by the Spices Board, cumin exports during April-October 2025 were 126,916 tonnes, and the revenue earned was Rs. 2955.81 crore. In contrast, during April-October 2024, cumin exports were 146,558 tonnes, and the revenue was Rs. 4036.51 crore. During the year 2024-25 (April-March), the total export of cumin seeds was 229,881.67 tons, and the revenue generated from these exports was ₹6,178.86 crore.