- Arrivals decline to below 10,000 t for first time in several weeks
- Traders roll over positions to July contract as June futures near expiry
India’s cumin (jeera) market remained under pressure during the week ended 05 June 2026, with spot and futures prices extending losses despite a notable decline in market arrivals. The inability of lower arrivals to support prices suggests that demand-side weakness continues to dominate market sentiment.
Unjha spot prices declined 0.9% w-o-w to INR 19,598 per quintal from INR 19,771 on 29 May. Futures also weakened across the curve, with the June contract falling 1.0% to INR 19,010 per quintal. July and August contracts declined to INR 19,295 and INR 19,500 per quintal, respectively, indicating continued caution among traders regarding near-term demand prospects.
Market arrivals fell 11.1% to 9,458 tonnes (t) from 10,636 t a week earlier, dropping below the 10,000-t mark for the first time in several weeks. The decline reflects slower farmer selling after the peak harvest season. However, reduced arrivals failed to trigger fresh buying, highlighting subdued participation from both domestic stockists and export buyers.
NCDEX-monitored stocks increased marginally to 7,426 t from 7,375 t, signalling that supply availability remains comfortable despite lower physical arrivals.
In the derivatives market, traders continued shifting positions forward as the June contract moved closer to expiry. Open interest in June futures fell 19.4% w-o-w to 8,073 lots, while July open interest jumped 43.1% to 4,485 lots. August open interest also increased to 372 lots from just 36 lots a week ago, indicating gradual rollover activity into deferred contracts.
The market enters the second week of June with tightening arrivals but little evidence of demand revival. Unless export enquiries improve or domestic buying gains momentum, cumin prices are likely to remain under pressure despite the seasonal slowdown in supplies.
Leave a Reply