Satisfactory rainfall in the last spell of monsoon seems to have brightened the Rabi crops prospects. In the wake of favourable rains during August-September jeera traders in Gujarat are pinning hopes of higher output during 2008-09.
Various commodities prices reached a record level during 2007-08. Jeera (cumin seed) prices have been in the higher trajectory for the past two years. Jeera prices touched a high of Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 2,600 per 20 kg. Apart from this, last spell of rain this monsoon was very encouraging for jeera crop.
"Considering all these factors jeera production in the country is likely to increase in 2008-09," said Arvind Patel, one of the Unjha-based jeera traders. According to him, total jeera output was at 15 lakh bags of 60 kgs in 2006-07, which rose to 28 lakh bags and the production is estimated to surge to 32 lakh bags this year.
Saurasthra, Kutch and North Gujarat, especially Unjha, are the main jeera growing centres in Gujarat. It may be mentioned here that heavy rains in the month of September had damaged cotton and sesame seed crop in Saurasthra. The land, which saw cotton and sesame seed crop damage, is likely to be used by farmers for jeera cultivation leading to increase in jeera acreage in Gujarat.
Another jeera trader and supplier Bipin Patel too expressed hope of higher jeera production this year. “Last year total jeera output in the country was upto 25 lakh bags, including 13-15 lakh bags in Saurasthra, 5-6 lakh bags in Rajasthan and 3-4 lakh in North Gujarat,” he said, adding, “Water levels in Gujarat have increaseed helping the jeera production to rise further”. Cultivation of jeera starts from the end of October.
However, final estimates of the crop would largely depend on price movement of the commodity. Higher prices are likely to attract farmers to take up jeera cultivation and if prices come down, it may discourage farmers to opt for jeera crop, traders said.