The future of coriander, the aromatic jewel of spices, is under the spotlight, and the scent in the air hints at exciting times ahead. The sowing has witnessed a shift, particularly in Gujarat, where coriander’s once-bountiful acres have dwindled noticeably. Rajasthan, too, shares this tale of reduced sowing.
Delving into the data, the production area of coriander in Gujarat has plummeted from 0.0222 million hectares in the 2022-23 season to 0.0125 million hectares in the ongoing 2023-24 season. This staggering decline of 97 thousand hectares, approximately 44 percent, paints a vivid picture of the changing coriander fields.
Sowing Hues Across States – A Patchwork of Change
Rajasthan anticipates a slight decrease in coriander acreage, while Madhya Pradesh sees a modest increase. Presently, the market witnesses restrained arrivals, and demand is not flexing its muscles—the pendulum of fluctuations swings within limits.
The chessboard of coriander holds its pieces well, with ample stocks from previous productions. However, the game may shift if the dice roll favors reduced production next year and an upswing in export demands. The possibility of a price surge looms, adding spice to the coriander market.
Harvesting Hopes In The March-April Prelude
As March and April approach, the stage is set for harvesting the new coriander crop. The weather’s mood until then is crucial, holding the fate of the crop in its hands. Despite the potential softening of prices during the firm arrival of the new crop, exporters and traders may play a pivotal role in stabilizing prices, even at lower levels.
Currently, the coriander market experiences limited bullishness in the future. What adds an intriguing layer to this scenario is the restrained stock unloading by big producers and stockists despite the new crop’s impending arrival and the specter of reduced production. This reluctance to part with stocks suggests steadfast confidence in anticipating sustained or elevated coriander prices in the coming months.
Market Whispers – Ramganj Mandi’s Fragrant Arrival
In the bustling market of Ramganj in Rajasthan, approximately 2500-3000 bags of coriander make a daily aromatic entrance. Priced at $0,72 – 0,78 or €0,66 – 0,72 per kilogram, the market echoes a melody of limited bullishness. Baran Mandi dances to a similar tune, underscoring the cautiously optimistic sentiments prevailing in the coriander market.
Producers and traders, holding their cards close, anticipate a melody of higher prices. As the scent of coriander weaves through the air, exporters and traders stand poised to understand the changing winds of the coriander, anticipating a surge in the future.