The Hindu Business Line : Sharp dip in area under cumin seed

CUMIN seed (jeera) production in Gujarat is likely to fall sharply during the current rabi season, as area under jeera cultivation has declined by 51 per cent as on December 7, 2004.

The area under cumin seed cultivation is 76,600 hectares this season against the previous season's 1,47,900 hectares, according to the Department of Agriculture.

The normal area under cultivation in the State during the rabi season is 1,49,500 hectares. Rajasthan and Gujarat are the major producers of cumin seed.

"Saurashtra, North Gujarat and Ahmedabad are the major producing regions of the State. Sowing is almost over," an official said.

Saurashtra and Kutch districts have 31,000 hectares under cultivation, North Gujarat has 20,700 hectares and Ahmedabad has 11,800 hectares.

"After a recent fall of about Rs 100 per 20 kg at the Unjha market (Gujarat), current prices are largely steady, but looking at the current scenario, prices may go up," a local dealer said.

Jeera prices at the Unjha market are currently ruling at Rs 1,150/1,450 per 20 kg, while prices at the Vashi wholesale market are around Rs 1,400/1,900 per 20 kg.