Jeera prices declined marginally by 0.10% to settle at Rs 26,230, as profit booking emerged after recent gains supported by rising export demand, tightening supplies and weather-related concerns. The El Niño phenomenon and limited water availability have raised concerns over rainfall patterns and sowing prospects in key cumin-growing regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The Gujarat government declared Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar and Kutch as scarcity-hit districts, highlighting concerns over agricultural conditions. Meanwhile, minimal Syrian supplies have increased reliance on Indian cumin, although improving production prospects in Turkey and Syria could put pressure on Indian export premiums.
Domestic production is estimated at 90-92 lakh bags this season, compared with 1.10 crore bags last year, with Gujarat production projected at 42-45 lakh bags and Rajasthan at 48-50 lakh bags. However, aggressive farmer selling to generate liquidity for the upcoming season, improved harvesting conditions in North-West India and rising warehouse stocks are limiting immediate supply concerns. Industrial spice grinders are also avoiding bulk purchases, preferring hand-to-mouth procurement. Export performance remains weak, with India’s jeera exports declining 19.7% year-on-year to 11,667 tonnes in August 2026, while cumulative exports during April-August fell to 65,128 tonnes from 87,558 tonnes a year earlier.
Shipments to the USA, Singapore and Mexico increased, whereas exports to the UAE and Bangladesh declined sharply. On a broader annual basis, exports during September 2025-August 2026 declined 17.4% to 174,479 tonnes. Meanwhile, the Unjha spot market closed at Rs 26,263.45, gaining 0.03%. Overall, lower domestic production estimates and weather uncertainties provide underlying support, while weak exports, farmer liquidation and cautious industrial buying could restrict further upside.
Technically, the market is witnessing long unwinding, as open interest declined by 6% to 7,380 contracts alongside a price fall of Rs 25, indicating the closure of existing long positions. Jeera is currently finding support at Rs 26,040, below which prices could test Rs 25,850. On the upside, resistance is placed at Rs 26,510, and a sustained move above this level could push prices towards Rs 26,800.
