Heavy Rains Cloud Millet Market Outlook Amid Stable Prices

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The millet market is presently in a holding pattern, marked by stable prices and subdued activity across key trading centers. Jowar(sorghum) and bajra(pearl mille)—two principal millet varieties—have seen limited arrivals and modest trading as monsoonal rains disrupt logistics and crop movements. In regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat, pricing remains closely tied to quality and supply, both of which are under short-term pressure. The best quality bajra and jowar continue to command premium rates, but heavy rainfall threatens to reduce further arrivals, potentially nudging prices upward in coming sessions if disruptions persist.

Traders are watchful, recalibrating strategies in light of erratic weather, while buyers show caution, expecting only incremental price adjustments for now. On the international front, current offers from major exporters in China, Ukraine, and Poland provide a wider context for premium qualities and supply alternatives. With the market bracing for more rain and fragile balance held between supply and muted demand, participants must monitor both weather patterns and inventory trends closely.

📈 Prices: Millet & Related Varieties Across Key Markets

Market (Region) Product/Grade Price Range (USD/kg) Latest Change Sentiment
Rajasthan (IN) Bajra (Best – Medium) 0.28–0.30 / 0.26–0.29 / 0.25 Stable Neutral
Gujarat (IN) Jowar (Best – Medium – Low) 0.33–0.34 / 0.29–0.30 / 0.25–0.27 No significant move Neutral
Sidhpur / Jamnagar (IN) Jowar (Standard / B-grade) 0.30–0.33 / 0.32 / 0.28 Steady Slightly Bullish (Rainfall risk)
Origin Product Type Purity Organic Delivery Latest Price (EUR/kg) Prev. Price (EUR/kg) Change Offer
China (Beijing) Millet kernels Hulled, yellow 99.90% Yes FOB 0.78 0.79 Link
China (Beijing) Millet kernels Hulled, yellow 99.95% No FOB 0.70 0.72 Link
Ukraine (Odesa) Millet seeds Inshell, yellow 98% No FCA 0.23 0.23 = Link

🌍 Supply & Demand Drivers

  • Arrivals & Volume: Limited arrivals in Indian mandis due to rainfall; only 200–300 quintals reported in top Gujarat locations.
  • Sales Activity: Traders observe slow movement; demand steady but not surging due to stable end-user interest.
  • Quality Differentials: Top grades command premium; quality/grade separation driving regional price gap.
  • Global Offers: CN and UA supplies at competitive rates with minor price softening from previous periods.
  • USDA & Reports: No significant update; global millet harvests mapped as stable, with localized output dips possible.

📊 Fundamentals & Global Stocks

  • India: Remains world’s largest producer, yet vulnerable to weather swings. Stocks expected to tighten if rains persist.
  • Ukraine & China: Exports remain steady, with Ukrainian prices holding firm and China showing marginal softening.
  • Europe (PL): Competitive raw seed offers but market size is modest compared to Asia.
  • Global Inventory: Aggregate stocks broadly stable, but projected drawdown if arrivals continue to lag into August.
Country Production (2024/25e, ‘000 MT) Stocks (‘000 MT) Export Rank
India 11,400 2,800 1
Nigeria 5,100 900 5
China 2,200 650 2
Ukraine 300 130 3

☀️ Weather Outlook

  • India (Rajasthan, Gujarat): Heavy monsoon rainfall forecast over the next 5 days, threatening further delays in arrivals and probable local flooding risks.
  • Ukraine: Stable, warm conditions; favorable for ongoing exports.
  • China: No major adverse conditions reported; production outlook steady.
  • Short-term Impact: Continued rain may tighten local Indian supply, potentially supporting marginal price increases for high-quality stock in regional mandis.

💡 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

  • Monitor rainfall intensity and distribution in key Indian regions—further supply tightening likely if transport delays continue.
  • Premium grades in demand; processors and exporters should lock top quality origination early.
  • International buyers may capitalize on slightly softer Chinese/Ukraine FOB offers before harvest pressure eases.
  • Short-term: Upside risk for best/medium quality local millets; downside limited by steady global supply.
  • Watch for changes in government procurement or intervention if arrivals remain depressed beyond this week.

📆 3-Day Regional Price Forecast

Market Current Price (USD/kg or EUR/kg) Forecast Trend Comment
Rajasthan Bajra 0.28–0.30 ↗️ Marginal upward bias on continued rainfall
Gujarat Jowar 0.33–0.34 ↗️ Arrivals likely to dip, price may firm
Millet kernels (CN, FOB EUR) 0.70–0.78 = Rangebound with minor softening
Millet seeds (UA, FCA EUR) 0.23 = Stable, no short-term disruption