Jeera concluded the trading session with a decline of 0.63%, settling at Rs. 26,065 per quintal. This downturn was influenced by profit booking and anticipations of stable-to-increased sowing acreage in Saurashtra and western Rajasthan, which exerted downward pressure on prices. Cooling temperatures and favourable residual soil moisture following the monsoon facilitated early field preparations, while subdued trading at Unjha APMC indicated resistance from processors and millers to elevated prices. However, the downside remained constrained due to apprehensions regarding tightening supplies, unpredictable weather conditions, and increasing export demand. The El Niño phenomenon and insufficient water availability in critical cumin-growing regions of Rajasthan have heightened apprehensions regarding sowing decisions and forthcoming crop yields.
Gujarat has officially designated Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, and Kutch as districts affected by scarcity. Industry estimates suggest that India’s cumin production may decrease to 90-92 lakh bags this season, down from 1.10 crore bags in the previous year. The output from Gujarat is projected to be between 42-45 lakh bags, while Rajasthan’s production is anticipated to range from 48-50 lakh bags. International production concerns have continued, with China’s crop estimated at 70,000-80,000 tonnes, while Syria and Turkey are projected to produce 9,000-10,000 tonnes and 10,000-11,000 tonnes, respectively.
However, expectations of enhanced production in rival regions and proactive farmer stock liquidation prior to the upcoming sowing season limited the extent of gains. India’s jeera exports experienced a decline of 19.7% year-on-year, totalling 11,667 tonnes in August 2026. Cumulatively, exports from April to August decreased to 65,128 tonnes, down from 87,558 tonnes during the same period the previous year. On an annual basis, exports experienced a decline of 17.4%, totalling 174,479 tonnes during the period from September 2025 to August 2026. Shipments to the USA experienced a notable increase of 16.5% in August, whereas exports to the UAE saw a significant decline of 81.6%.
In Unjha, the principal spot market, prices concluded at Rs. 26,085.80 per quintal, reflecting a modest increase of 0.1%. Technically, the market is experiencing long unwinding, evidenced by a 2.15% decrease in open interest to 7,221 contracts, coinciding with a price decline of Rs. 165. Jeera is presently encountering support at Rs. 25,860, with additional support at Rs. 25,660, while resistance is established at Rs. 26,240. A sustained move above this resistance could extend the recovery toward Rs. 26,410, whereas a break below immediate support may increase selling pressure.
