Initial Arrivals of New Cumin in Unjha Market

Traders have observed the initial arrivals of the new cumin crop at Unjha Mandi, though these are arriving sporadically. Due to their high moisture content, these fresh batches are not yet available in open auctions; instead, traders are handling them through private deals. This situation might temper the recent uptick in prices or even push them slightly lower.

The demand from stockists has recently bolstered prices in the local wholesale market:

• Normal cumin is currently priced between USD 2,77 and 2,83 per kg
• Machine-clean cumin prices have climbed to between USD 3,25 and 3,55 per kg Today, approximately 7,000 bags arrived at Unjha, including 50 bags of new cumin. This indicates a harvest delay of nearly a month compared to typical years.

Challenges Related to Weather and Production

The delayed arrival of cumin this year is largely due to unusually warm winter weather across Gujarat, including Unjha. Sowing for cumin was reduced by 15-20% this season, which might affect the overall yield:

• Cumin requires cooler winter temperatures for optimal growth, and this season's mild conditions could hinder its development.
• Despite these challenges, some traders are hopeful that the use of hybrid cumin seeds, which mature more quickly, may help recover some of the delays.

Increase in Cumin Exports

Cumin exports have seen a significant increase in the 2024-25 season, with 159,201 tonnes worth USD 526 million shipped between April and November 2024—a 70% rise in volume over the previous year. The upcoming weather conditions will be crucial in determining future price trajectories for cumin.

Conclusion: Market Fluctuations Impacting Price

While the arrival of cumin is starting to increase, factors like delayed planting and atypical weather continue to influence market expectations. Prices might stay strong in the near term, but as more supplies arrive, the upward pressure on prices could diminish. Traders and farmers need to keep a close eye on ongoing crop conditions to make informed decisions.

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