India spices largely mixed; jeera falls, turmeric flat

Higher arrivals pressure cumin rates, while coriander eases on weak buying; spice markets show subdued demand overall

Spices traded on a mixed note on the NCDEX on Thursday, with jeera prices declining on higher arrivals and weak export demand, while turmeric remained largely flat. Coriander also edged lower amid subdued buying interest at prevailing higher price levels, analysts said.

The most-active May jeera contract fell over 1% to ₹20,430 per 100 kg as supply improved across key markets. Weekly arrivals at Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) centres rose around 15% year-on-year to 22,992 tonnes, indicating better supply flows. 

Additionally, export demand remained weak due to high freight costs linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which has reduced global competitiveness. However, downside in jeera prices is expected to remain limited. Weather-related disruptions, including hailstorms and unseasonal rains in Rajasthan and northwest India, have raised concerns over crop damage and reduced availability of premium quality produce. Turmeric prices stayed flat at ₹16,000 per 100 kg despite a rise in arrivals in key markets such as Nizamabad, Erode and Hingoli. Increased selling by farmers ahead of kharif sowing has temporarily boosted supply, though arrivals remain lower than historical levels. 

Concerns over crop quality, including disease impact, continue to support prices. Meanwhile, coriander prices declined 1% to ₹12,728 per 100 kg due to weak demand. However, tighter year-on-year arrivals and steady restocking demand are expected to lend underlying support to prices in the near term.   

— Informist