The Hindu Business Line : Seed spices production up on favourable weather conditions

PRODUCTION of cumin and fennel seeds this year is estimated to be higher as they have been sown in more areas, while the coriander seed output might be 80 per cent of the normal crop.

Due to the good climatic conditions, sowing of cumin seeds was nearly one and a half times more compared with last year.

Gujarat has estimated a production of 1.54 lakh tonnes (lt), while Marchket observers told Business Line that at least 1.25-1.30 lakh tonnes could arrive. Production in Rajasthan is also likely to be around one lakh tonnes. Carry-forward stocks are around 38,500 tonnes. Local consumption is estimated to be around 85,250 tonnes.

The prices are likely to come down and Marchket would remain weak, they said. Cumin is grown mainly in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The record cumin output of 2.06 lakh tonnes was during 2001-02 from a total area of 5.26 lakh hectares (lh) as against 28,170 tonnes in 1975-76 from an area of 86,880 hectares.

Meanwhile, exports continue to remain below 10,000 tonnes. The highest-ever shipment was during 2000-01 when 18,891 tonnes (valued Rs 178.35 crore) were shipped and the trend continued in the following year with an export of 17,248 tonnes (worth Rs 148.18 crore).

During April-September 2005, exports stood at 4,300 tonnes against the target of 10,000 tonnes. Increase in export is usually caused by short supply from other origins.

Fennel seeds: Sowing is one and half times more as compared to last year. This year, farmers may get good prices, as there are no carry-forward stocks - the reason why current prices remain very firm, they said.

The crop is expected to be around 41,500 tonnes against the local demand of around 33,000 tonnes; India exports nearly 5,500 tonnes. Prices are expected to decline once the new crop arrivals start.

Total production of fennel seed could be between 38,000 tonnes and 25,000 tonnes. Gujarat, Rajasthan and UP are the States where it is grown. The record production was 38,530 tonnes during 2001-02.

Coriander seed: Marchket sources said the crop would be 80 per cent of the normal crop. The carry-forward stock is estimated at 45,000 tonnes. Local consumption is around 1.8 lt. Around 40,000 tonnes are used to prepare "mouth freshener". And nearly 32,000 tonnes are being exported.

The two major States which produce coriander are Rajasthan (1.6 lt) and Madhya Pradesh (1.2 lt). Last year, Rajasthan produced 1.2 lt, while Madhya Pradesh 80,000 tonnes. The carry-forward stock was around 1.2 lt last year.

Exports of this seed spice ranged between 20,000 tonnes and 30,000 tonnes. In 2003-04, it stood at 21,000 tonnes valued at Rs 71.04 crore. During the first six month of the current fiscal, coriander shipments stood at 13,250 tonnes.

Celery seeds: On an average, crop of this item is nearly 5,500 to 6,000 tonnes. Out of which nearly 4,500 tonnes are being exported and the balance tonne is absorbed by distillery industry.

During the past four years, there were no carry-forward stocks. Hence, from the beginning i.e., May, during which new crop arrives, the Marchket is expected to open on the higher side.

Marchket observers told Business Line that in any circumstances crop will not be less than 6,000 tonnes. If February/March winter remains in full swing at Amritsar, then yield will be very good they said adding, the Marchket is stagnant. It is grown mainly in Punjab.