Cumin (jeera) prices in India almost double on crop shortfall and higher exports

An over 40% shortfall in the cumin crop in Rajasthan and Gujarat, coupled with an exceptionally high export demand, has inflated prices of the commodity to Rs 4,500 per 20 kg. Traders and exporters in the Asia’s biggest seeds spices hub Unjha said that cumin spot prices hovered in the range of Rs 3,900 to Rs 4,500 per 20 kg depending on the quality of cumin. In the previous season, prices of cumin remained in the range of Rs 2,400 to Rs 2,700 per 20 kg. Cumin production in Rajasthan and Gujarat remained nearly 90 lakh bags (55 kg per bag). After cleaning, sorting and packaging, cumin is being sold in the retail market at prices ranging from Rs 275 per kg to over Rs 300 per kg (Rs 5,500 to Rs 6,000 per 20 kg). On the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), May Jeera futures touched a high of Rs 21,765 per quintal on Thursday. Spot Jeera prices in Unjha mandi on NCDEX Jodhpur stood at Rs 21,701.70 per quintal (Rs 4,340 per 20 kg). At Jodhpur mandi, it was at Rs 22,500 ...