Coriander Prices Stabilize at Minimum Levels

Coriander prices have reached their minimum levels, and further declines are unlikely. Stockists are reluctant to lower prices further, believing that coriander prices will remain stable within a limited range during August and September. However, traders anticipate a price increase in October-November, driven by factors such as reduced sowing areas and the arrival of imported coriander in August.

Stockist Activity and Market Arrivals Increase

As stockists increase their sales of coriander, daily market arrivals have risen. In Gujarat's Gondal Mandi, arrivals have reached 4,000 bags, while in Rajkot, 1,200 bags are arriving daily. In Rajasthan's Ramganj Mandi, arrivals have increased from 2,000-2,500 bags to 3,500-4,000 bags. In Madhya Pradesh, rain has temporarily reduced arrivals, but before the rain, Kumbhraj Mandi saw 1,500-2,000 bags daily, and Guna Mandi recorded 3,500-4,000 bags.

Sowing Area Expected to Decline Again in 2024-25

Looking ahead, the sowing area for coriander in India is expected to decline for the second consecutive year. In 2023, coriander was sown on approximately 0.5 million hectares, which dropped to 0.360-0.370 million hectares in 2024. Sowing for the new season will begin in October-November, with new arrivals expected in February-March. Major coriander-producing states include Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

Coriander Imports and Exports

Despite sufficient domestic production, India continues to import coriander, mainly for blending due to the lighter quality of imported goods. The Spices Board reports that 28,828 tonnes of coriander were imported in 2023-24, down from 31,383 tonnes in 2022-23. Coriander exports, however, have declined sharply in the first two months of the 2024-25 financial year, with only 11,546.61 tonnes exported compared to 36,932.86 tonnes in the same period last year. Nonetheless, a record export of 108,624 tonnes was achieved during the 2023-24 fiscal year.

Coriander prices have stabilized at their minimum levels, with potential for an increase in October-November due to limited sowing and import dynamics. The market is expected to remain stable in the short term, with a possible price rise in the coming months.