India: Cumin prices soften as higher arrivals and farmer selling weigh on market

• Higher arrivals and farmer liquidation increase near-term supply
• Industrial buyers remain cautious amid expectations of lower prices

India’s cumin market turned softer in the week ended 7 August, with increased arrivals and active farmer selling weighing on prices. Unjha spot prices declined to INR 20,730/quintal on 7 August from INR 20,832/quintal on 31 July, down 0.5% week on week. Prices strengthened briefly in early August before correcting toward the end of the week.

India: Farmer selling adds to supply pressure

Unjha arrivals rose to 8,291 tonnes from 7,102 tonnes in the previous week, up 16.7% WoW. Farmers have been actively liquidating stocks to generate cash flow for Kharif sowing, adding to near-term availability. Favourable weather has also supported harvesting and deliveries, keeping supply pressure elevated.

India: Cautious buying weighs on futures

Cumin futures also weakened, with the reported settlement declining 0.83% to INR 20,910. In the exchange contracts captured in the weekly data, August futures fell 1% WoW to INR 20,720/quintal, while September futures declined 1% to INR 21,085/quintal. Large industrial spice grinders have remained cautious, preferring to wait for lower prices before committing to bulk purchases. This has limited buying support despite increased availability.

India: Stocks and demand remain key watchpoints

NCDEX warehouse stocks stood unchanged at 6,029 tonnes during the week. The lack of an increase in exchange stocks offers some support, but sustained arrivals and weak spot demand could keep prices under pressure. Traders are likely to monitor whether farmer selling continues after the Kharif sowing requirement eases.

Overall, cumin sentiment remains cautious to bearish in the near term. Higher arrivals, farmer liquidation and restrained industrial buying are likely to cap prices, while any moderation in arrivals or revival in export demand could provide support.