Weekly Review: Cumin
22-May-2026 06:59 PM
No Immediate Prospect of Price Rise in Cumin: Export Demand Remains Low
New Delhi: During the current week, cumin prices traded with a bearish undertone. Due to weak export demand, there is no immediate likelihood of a price surge in the near future. Although daily arrivals of cumin in the *mandis* (markets) of the major producing states—Gujarat and Rajasthan—are declining, prices have recorded a drop of ₹2–3 per kg owing to reduced export and domestic trading activity.
Informed sources indicate that in the coming days, arrivals of the new cumin crop from Turkey, Syria, and China will begin entering the market. Consequently, export trade in cumin is expected to remain limited even during the months of June and July. As a result, current estimates suggest that cumin prices will fluctuate within a narrow range, witnessing minor ups and downs of ₹3–5 per kg.
Although domestic cumin production during the current season has been lower compared to the previous year, exports have been adversely affected recently due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East region. Notably, the country's total cumin production last year was estimated at approximately 97–98 lakh bags (each bag weighing 55 kg); however, during the current season, this figure is projected to decline to 92–93 lakh bags. Sources estimate that cumin production in Gujarat during the current season stands at 33–34 lakh bags, whereas last year's production was 44–45 lakh bags. In Rajasthan, production is projected to reach 58–59 lakh bags, compared to 51–52 lakh bags recorded last year.
Arrivals
Daily arrivals of cumin have begun to decline in the *mandis* of Gujarat, the leading producing state. In Unjha—the primary market—arrivals have dropped to 13,000–14,000 bags, while arrivals in Rajkot and Gondal are currently hovering between 800 and 1,000 bags. Furthermore, arrivals at Rajasthan's Merta mandi have dropped to 4,000–5,000 bags, while those at Nagaur stand at 3,000–4,000 bags. In Jodhpur, arrivals are currently averaging 1,500–2,000 bags. Sources indicate that while the majority of the stock from Gujarat has already reached the mandis, farmers in Rajasthan still hold back 60–70 percent of their produce, which is expected to enter the market once prices rise. According to estimates, the total arrival of cumin in Gujarat's mandis has so far reached 2.4–2.5 million bags, whereas trade estimates suggest that arrivals in Rajasthan's mandis currently stand at 1.7–1.8 million bags. Currently, prices for average-quality cumin are being quoted at ₹170–₹200 per kilogram in Gujarat's mandis and at ₹170–₹205 per kilogram in Rajasthan's mandis.
Decline in Exports
According to data released by the Spices Board, cumin exports declined by 15 percent during the first ten months of the 2025–26 fiscal year. Additionally, a 28 percent drop in revenue was recorded, largely due to lower export realization prices. As per the information received, cumin exports during the April–January 2025 period totaled 166,878 tonnes, generating revenue of ₹3,885.33 crore; in contrast, during the corresponding April–January 2025 period, exports stood at 197,050 tonnes, yielding a revenue of ₹5,386.32 crore.