Low Production Drives Kalonji (Nigella) Prices Up

Sharp Increase in One Week as Supply Dwindles

Due to the low production of Kalonji and no old stock, prices have risen rapidly. All-round buying by consuming industries has caused prices to rise by $0,30 per kg in just one week. There is also a possibility of a further $0,30 per kg increase soon. A recent survey shows a 40-42 percent decrease in Kalonji production in the Kota Bara and Sasaram Rohtas line of Bihar. Additionally, there was not much old stock in any market, which has further driven the rapid rise in prices.

Market Dynamics Keep Kalonji Prices High

Strong Demand from Various Industries Pushes Prices Up

The new crop of Kalonji is arriving, but heavy buying from West Bengal, Orissa, Assam, and Jharkhand is occurring in the producing markets. Traders report that the fisheries industry consumes large quantities of Kalonji, contributing to higher demand. This year, the local Kalonji crop in Bengal has been 50 percent less than usual. Farmers in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have also reduced sowing, causing arrivals to decrease by 8-40 percent compared to last year. This is why Kalonji, which sold at $2,16/2,22 in Neemuch at the week's start, now sells at $2,40/2,52 per kg. In Rajasthan's mandis, bulk Kalonji is being sold at $2,52/2,58 per kg.

In Bihar's Sasaram line, Kalonji supply is lower, with continuous buying from Ranchi and Assam, leading to higher prices in Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Gaya mandis. Kalonji, also known as Mangarela, sees high consumption in the pickle industry, maintaining strong demand. Last year's crop gap and low old stock have led to price increases as the new crop arrives. Kalonji, currently selling at $2,40/2,52 per kg, is expected to reach $3,00/3,12 soon.

The sharp rise in Kalonji prices, driven by low production and high demand, is expected to continue. Farmers and traders should prepare for potential further increases as market dynamics evolve.