Jeera prices concluded at Rs 21,095, reflecting a 0.45% increase, bolstered by a reduction in the supply of premium-quality bold seeds, even as the overall physical crop availability continues to be sufficient. Export-grade, high-purity jeera has become increasingly scarce as arrivals at major trading centres such as Unjha in Gujarat and key markets in Rajasthan persist in their decline. Supply of superior-quality produce has contracted more swiftly than expected, bolstering market prices. However, gains remained constrained as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East persisted, disrupting logistics and diminishing demand from conventional export markets.

Buying interest from China continued to be inconsistent and sensitive to price fluctuations, while anticipations of enhanced production in rival sources like Turkey and Syria exerted pressure on Indian export premiums. Market sentiment exhibited a mixed character as farmers persisted in liquidating stocks to generate cash for Kharif sowing, thereby augmenting near-term market supplies. Favourable weather conditions in north-west India have led to quicker harvesting and drying processes, which in turn have increased arrivals. Concurrently, the rise in NCDEX warehouse stocks has diminished the urgency for immediate spot purchases. Domestic processors and stockists engaged in hand-to-mouth purchasing rather than pursuing aggressive inventory accumulation.

Nonetheless, the demand for residue-compliant and high-specification lots from Europe and North America continued to provide support. Crop estimates indicate that India’s jeera production is likely to decrease to approximately 90-92 lakh bags this season, down from 1.10 crore bags in the previous year, attributed to reduced sowing activities. China’s production is projected to decline to 70,000-80,000 tonnes due to unfavourable weather conditions. India’s jeera exports experienced a year-on-year decline of 26%, totalling 17,177 tonnes in May. In the April-May period, exports decreased by 22%, amounting to 33,431 tonnes.

However, shipments to Singapore, Mexico, Yemen, and Poland showed notable growth. In the Unjha spot market, jeera prices experienced an increase of 0.12%, reaching Rs 20,840.25. Technically, the market is experiencing new buying activity, as open interest has increased by 0.37% to 8,862 contracts, accompanied by a price rise of Rs 95. Jeera exhibits immediate support at Rs 20,910, with subsequent support at Rs 20,700, while resistance is identified at Rs 21,230. A sustained move above this level could extend gains towards Rs 21,340.