Closely monitoring prices, says govt

Inflation in negative zone since July last year

- SANDIP DAS

PRICES OF A host of spices such as cumin (jeera), coriander (dhania), turmeric, black pepper and dry chilli, have declined from their peak last year, thanks to adequate carry forward stocks and the prospect of a good crop. On an average, prices of spices fell by 7.4% in December on-year.

The average mandi price of cumin seeds (jeera) has declined to ₹22,200/quintal at present from ₹65,900/quintal that prevailed in September, 2023 at Unjha (Gujarat), the hub of the trade in anticipation of a bumper harvest, traders said.

Jeera futures for May, 2025 expiry were quoting at ₹21,775/quintal on the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) platform on Friday.

"Prices are expected to decline further with a bumper harvest projected on the back of a bigger area under cultivation and conducive weather conditions," Dinesh Patel, ex-chairman, Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) and trader from Unjha (Gujarat), told FE.