Introduction Botanical Description Jeera cultivation Storage: Uses

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1 JEERA Introduction Cumin, also known as jeera/zeera or comino, is the second most popular spice in the world after black pepper. It is very pungent and aromatic, and is used whole and/or ground. Though Cumin is a native of Egypt, it now mostly produced in India. India is the largest producer of cumin in the world. It is a dried fruit from a plant in the parsley family. It is slightly bitter, pungent, nutty, and hot. Apart from India it is also grown in North Africa, China and America. Commercially, cumin is available in whole seeds, or more commonly ground. Cumin's aromatic, nutty-flavored seeds come in three colors: amber (the most widely available), white and black (both found in Asian markets). White cumin seed is interchangeable with amber, but the black seed has a more complex, peppery flavor. Cumin is one of the main ingredients in curry powders, and the combination of cumin and coriander leaves gives a characteristic smell to most Indian food. Cumin is used extensively in Indian cuisine. Botanical Description Its stem is slender and branched, rarely exceeding 1 foot in height and somewhat angular. The leaves are divided into long, narrow segments like Fennel, but much smaller and are of a deep green colour, generally turned back at the ends. The upper leaves are nearly stalking less, but the lower ones have longer leaf stalks. The flowers are small, rose-colored or white, in stalked umbels with only four to six rays, each of which are only about 1/3 inch long, and bloom in June and July, being succeeded by fruit - the so-called seeds which constitute the Cumin of pharmacy. They are oblong in shape, thicker in the middle, compressed laterally about 5 inch long, resembling Caraway seeds, but lighter in colour and bristly instead of smooth, almost straight, instead of being curved. The odour and taste are somewhat like caraway, but less agreeable. Jeera cultivation In India, cumin seed is a Rabi crop sown in October - November and harvested in February. Cumin is grown from seed. A hot climate is preferred, but it can be grown in cooler regions if started under glass in spring. A sandy soil is best; when the seedlings have hardened, transplant carefully to a sunny aspect, planting out 15cm (6 in) apart. Cut the plants when the seeds turn to brown, thresh and dry like the other Umbelliferae. Storage: Storage of cumin is very crucial as its quality preservation is important. Cumin is packed in gunny bags and each bag contains 55 kg weight of cumin seed. Before packing the cumin in the jute bags it is cleaned by machines in order to remove the stalks, other foreign material, stones, dust etc. Generally cumin is harvested manually, and that is why before packaging it is required to be cleaned properly and cut by machine. During storage Cumin absorbs moisture immediately, therefore it is advisable to store it in one layer plastic coated bags. Cumin is also packed sometimes in cloth, paper or polythene bags depending on the requirements of the buyer. It is preserved at least one to two feet away from the walls in order to save it from moisture. The jute bags are staked over wooden carton or plastic sheet for more security. Uses Cumin is used mainly where highly spiced foods are preferred. It features in Indian, Eastern, Middle Eastern, Mexican, Portuguese and Spanish cookery. It is an ingredient of most curry powders and many savory spice mixtures. This spice is available both in a powder and as seeds. Freshly ground seeds impart a robust fragrance and flavor to curries, salsas, soups, and marinades. For heightened aroma, people roast the whole seeds for a couple of minutes in a dry skillet or toaster oven before grinding. The seeds of cumin are used for flavoring especially meat casseroles and lentil soup. The whole seed is used in bread, biscuits, cakes, pickles and chutneys.

2 It is stimulant, antispasmodic and carminative. Because of its very disagreeable flavor, its medicinal use at the present day is almost confined to veterinary practice, in which it is employed as a carminative. Formerly Cumin had considerable repute as a corrective for the flatulency of languid digestion and as a remedy for colic and dyspeptic headache. Bruised and applied externally in the form of a plaster, it was recommended as a cure for stitches and pains in the side caused by the sluggish congestion of indolent parts, and it has been compounded with other drugs to form a stimulating liniment. Other Medicinal properties Cumin is stomachic, diuretic, carminative, stimulant, astringent, emmenagogic and antispasmodic. It is valuable in dyspepsia diarrhoea and hoarseness, and may relieve flatulence and colic. In the West, it is now used mainly in veterinary medicine, as a carminative, but it remains a traditional herbal remedy in the East. It is supposed to increase lactation and reduce nausea in pregnancy. Used in a poultice, it relieves swelling of the breast or the testicles. Smoke in a pipe with ghee, is taken to relieve the hiccups. Cumin also stimulates the appetite. Global Scenario Apart from India cumin is produced mainly in Iran, Turkey and Syria. USA, European Union, Middle East, South East Asia are the major export markets for Indian Cumin Seed. In the international market, Nepal and Sri Lanka is the major importer preferring Cumin Seed of 95% - 96% purity, whereas the European market has a strong preference for 100% purity for machine clean stocks. The main competitors in the international market are Turkey and Iran offering at cheaper rate. Though India is the largest producer of cumin seed, the country consumes most part of its produce and the rest is exported. Its produce commands premium prices in the global markets due to its quality and flavor. The cumin prices are also sensitive to the international demand and supply. Thus the production in the other countries like Turkey and Syria affects the export prices and volume of Jeera. The new crop in Syria and Turkey is harvested during August- September so the Indian produce, which is harvested during February to April, gets enough time to find good market in overseas countries. India exports cumin seed to Bangladesh, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, UAE, UK, USA and many other countries and cumin seed powder to Canada, UK, USA, etc. India also exports oleoresins of cumin seed and cumin seed oil to USA, UK, Germany, etc. Nepal was the largest importer of cumin seed from India in 2003 with 28.87% share of total exports, followed by (USA 14.44%), UK (11.35%) Malaysia (9.76%), Singapore (6.51%) and Japan (6.24%). Harvest Chart INDIA SYRIA TURKEY JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Indian Exports of Cumin (latest available data as on Feb 2008) Year Exports Qty (MT) Exports Value Rs in Crores *

3 Source: DGCI&S Kolkata & Spice Board Indian Imports of Cumin (latest available data as on Feb 2008) Year Import Qty (MT) Export Value (Rs Lakhs) , , , ,503 2, ,599 1, * 1, Source: DGCI&S Kolkata & Spice Board Form the table it is clear that the Export of Cumin seed from India is declining from onwards. During the year the total quantity exported was MT while in it was dipped to 6700 MT. However, it again improved in the year to MT. The exports of cumin are very price sensitive. Depending upon the production of the other major producers like Syria Afghanistan and Turkey, the export demand varies and consequently the prices. There is not much surplus production of cumin in world and thus crop failure in any of its major producing country (mainly due to climatic reasons), its exports demand pressurize the prices. Jeera is mainly exported however the total quantity imported is very small and are mainly used in the oleoresin industries. The imports during the year increased significantly to 3503 MT as the drought had affected the growing areas leading to low production and shortage in the supply for the spice for domestic consumption. Indian Scenario India is the largest producer and consumer of cumin seed in the world. In India, cumin seed is almost exclusively cultivated in Rajasthan and Gujarat. It grows abundantly in the mild, equable climate of Gujarat and Rajasthan where rich, well drained, sandy, loamy soil and the sunny, conducive environment are available. Thus Gujarat and Rajasthan are the two main production centers in India. They contribute more than 90% of total cumin production in the country. Rajasthan is the largest producer of cumin seeds contributing about 50-55% of the total production of India. Gujarat is the second largest producer of cumin seeds and it is not so far behind from Rajasthan. As per some of the traders view both the states produce almost equally. Due to cash payment, weight of commodity in front of farmers, lower market cess, high prices, availability of processors, exporters and brokers and better infrastructure facilities a fairly large amount of Cumin arrives in Gujarat mandis for trading purpose. In Gujarat, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Patan, Surendranagar and Rajkot are the major districts producing cumin seed, whereas in Rajasthan Badmer, Jalore, Nagaur, Pali, and Jodhpur are the main producing districts. Production Trends (latest available data as on Feb 2008) Indian Production Year Area (Ha) Production (T) ,729 71, ,587 64, ,587 64,889

4 , , ,627 78, ,326 75, , , , , , , ,431 70, , , , , , , , , , , , ,854 Source: Spices Board of India From the above data it is clear that the Production of Cumin seed is showing upward trends and the growth rate expected to be persistent. The level of production is likely to sustain in the future also because the demand for the product is increasing day by day. As per the trade, the annual demand for the Jeera is about bags i.e. about tonnes. As India is the largest consumer of cumin seeds in the world, the remaining stock after consumption is meant for the export purposes. Jeera is an environmental sensitive crop. Various factors such as temperature, weather, irrigation facilities, clear sky etc affect the development of crop. Productivity is mainly dependent on the climatic conditions prevailing during particular season. Thus its production largely depends upon the climatic conditions and fluctuates largely depending on the same. The area under cumin increased to more than 5 lakh hectares in from hectares in and the output to 2,06,410 tonnes from tonnes in It can be seen from the table that the production of cumin fluctuated widely during recent years; this depicts the dependence of crop on climatic conditions and its susceptibility. Statewise Production of Jeera: Area-Ha, Production-MT State Rajasthan Gujarat UP Total Year Area Production Area Production Area Production Area Production NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Source: Spice Board It is clear from the table that area under cumin and production both are increasing in major producers Rajasthan and Gujarat. However, volatility is high in case of production in both states. Rajasthan is leading both in area and production of cumin till the year In the area under cumin in Rajasthan was 1.47 lakh hectares and the output was tonnes. The figures improved to 2.27 lakh hectares and tonnes respectively in The output of cumin declined sharply in Rajasthan in due to poor climatic conditions. However, area and production increase sharply thereafter with exception of year when production fell

5 sharply on account of severe drought affecting the area and farmers shifting to other crops like guar and mustard fetching high price in comparison with jeera. The mandi in Nagaur is the largest trading center for cumin seed in Rajasthan. The crop normally arrives in the Market in the month of March. Earlier, cumin seed also used to be traded in mandies at Niwai and Kekri in Rajasthan but now the market has shifted to Unjha at Gujarat. The price of cumin seed in Gujarat mandies is normally higher. Therefore many farmers from Rajasthan also market their produce in mandies in Gujarat. In , Gujarat had a good crop of cumin seed, which resulted in a fall in its price also. This caused a slight fall in acreage next year, which in conjunction with poor climatic conditions resulted in sharp fall in production for the year. The acreage and production is seen increasing at a steady pace thereafter with the increase in consumption domestically as well as internationally however the climatic conditions have remained a key factor to determine the overall output. Market Structure Unjha is the most important market for cumin seed in India. Unjha is located well off the beaten path in Northwest India. The primary crops sold at the Unjha market are cumin, fenugreek, mustard, and fennel seeds. The plants that yield cumin seeds are annuals and are propagated by sowing the previous year s seeds. Because of this cultivation process, there can be great fluctuations in crop production, depending on price, supply and weather. Typically, the crops are planted on small farms, in the fall, and harvested during the months of February and March. At harvest time, seeds are removed from the plant by hand, then sun-dried and brought to market. Most of the seeds sold at Unjha are grown on farms within 600 kilometers (360 miles) of the market, in the Gujarat and Rajasthan states. When seeds arrive at the market, they are entrusted to an agent who oversees their sale. The market buzzes with the excitement of an open-air auction. Seeds are piled high, side-by-side, for buyers to visually inspect their quality. At set times each day, an auctioneer works his way from one end of the block to the other, surrounded by buyers. He auctions each pile one at a time. This intense process goes on for hours and covers many blocks of seeds. Since temperatures in Unjha grow very hot, the market shuts down for several hours each day, giving everyone an opportunity to eat and rest in preparation for the afternoon auction. It s interesting to note that of the 80, tons of cumin grown in India each year, only 10 % is actually exported. In India, cumin and fenugreek are used extensively in curries and masala recipes. Suitability of Jeera for Futures The product has an active cash market. The large players however, control a major section of the market. Though arrival of the commodity is only during the season in March-May, its consumption is spread throughout the year. In addition, the consumption is spread throughout the country, though the cultivation is from Gujarat and Rajasthan. The prices display high volatility due to its seasonal nature and widespread demand within and outside the country. The product exhibits the normal homogeneity visible in agricultural commodities and can be effectively graded. Prices Volatility Daily Variation in Cumin Seed Prices at Unjha ( ) Variation in % < >5 No of times In % Maximum daily price variation recorded 6.6 % Factors Influencing Cumin Markets:

6 The prices display high volatility due to its seasonal nature and widespread demand within and outside the country. Weather at the production centers, pests and diseases have an influence on the production of spices. The market is not perfectly organized and this influences the information flow. Major trading centres Gujarat: Unjha Rajasthan: Niwai, Kekri International markets: Delhi, Jaipur and Rajkot Warehouses & Locations NCDEX/NCMSL accredited warehouses are available at locations like Pls. visit for latest NCDEX list of accredited warehouse at different locations MCX accredited warehouses are available at locations like: Pls. visit for latest list of MCX list of accredited warehouse at different locations DELIVERY CENTERS: NCDEX: Main Delivery Centre: At the accredited warehouse(s) in Unjha up to the radius of 50 Kms from the municipal limits Additional Delivery Centre: At the accredited warehouse(s) in Delhi (within municipal limits), Jaipur and Jodhpur (up to the radius of 50 Kms from the municipal limits) MCX: Main delivery centres: Exchange designated warehouse within 15 km radius of Unjha, Rajkot, Jaipur and New Delhi market yards Contract Specifications: NCDEX: Basis Basis Price Unit of Trading Quotation/Base Value Tick size Delivery Unit Indian origin Fair Average Quality Jeera (Cumin Seed) Ex-Unjha (Excluding all expenses &including sales tax) 3 MT Rs Per Quintal 10 Paisa 3 MT with tolerance limit of 100 kg MCX: Basis Basis Price Unit of Trading Indian origin Fair Average Quality Jeera (Cumin Seed) Ex-Unjha (Excluding all expenses &including sales tax) 3 MT

7 Quotation/Base Value Tick size Delivery Unit Rs Per Quintal Re MT with tolerance limit of 100 kg