Will Fenugreek Break the 2026 Level ?

28-Apr-2026 07:30 PM

New Delhi. During the current season, fenugreek sowing in the major producing states—Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat—has declined by 12 percent compared to last year, settling at 1.15 lakh hectares. Although earlier estimates had projected an increase in per-hectare productivity, current trade assessments—based on the arrivals observed in the *mandis* (wholesale markets)—suggest that the crop yield is deficient. Consequently, market arrivals are not meeting expectations.

Due to weak arrivals and dwindling residual stocks, market sentiment has turned bullish. As a result, fenugreek prices have risen by 4 to 5 rupees per kilogram during the current month. Currently, in the *mandis* of Madhya Pradesh, the price for average-quality fenugreek has climbed to a range of ₹6,300 to ₹6,700 per quintal. In the immediate future, there appears to be no likelihood of a price decline. Once conditions normalize in the Middle Eastern countries, export demand is expected to rise, and a significant upward trend in prices could be witnessed.

The 2026 Level

Mr. Pankaj Lukkad, Director of M/s Century Spices Pvt. Ltd.—a renowned and trusted establishment in Jaora—states that during the current season, fenugreek prices could surpass the levels witnessed in 2016. It is noteworthy that in 2016, the price of Sortex-quality fenugreek reached a record high of ₹92 to ₹93 per kilogram, whereas the current market price is hovering between ₹69 and ₹70. Mr. Pankaj observes that in previous years, the arrival of new fenugreek crops in the *mandis* used to peak during the month of April; however, this year, arrivals are currently at only 50 percent of last year's volume. Although earlier estimates by FISSA had pegged fenugreek production at 15 lakh quintals, current market arrivals suggest that actual production is likely to be limited to a range of 12 to 13 lakh quintals.

Limited Availability

According to experts, the total annual requirement for fenugreek—combining domestic consumption and exports—stands at 1.8 to 2 million quintals. However, during the current season, total availability is projected to range between 1.4 and 1.6 million quintals, comprising 1.2 to 1.3 million quintals of new produce and 0.2 to 0.3 million quintals of carry-over stock. Consequently, an upward trend in prices is likely in the coming days.

Exports

According to data released by the Spices Board, fenugreek exports during the 10-month period from April 2025 to January 2026 amounted to 40,633 tonnes, generating export earnings of ₹304.97 crore. In comparison, during the period from April 2024 to January 2025, 35,907 tonnes were exported, yielding earnings of ₹298.4 crore.