Cuttack: Price spiral of cumin seeds, an essential ingredient in Indian kitchens, has raised the concern of consumers and traders in Odisha. In the last four months, the price of cumin seeds has been hiked by Rs 175 per kg in different phases.
General secretary of Malgodam Traders’ Association in Cuttack Prafulla Chhatoi said now the price of cumin seeds is fluctuating between Rs 370 and Rs 375 per kg.
As the cumin seed farming in various parts of the country have been damaged by natural disasters in the current year, traders apprehend further hike of its price. It may touch Rs 400 per kg in a few days, traders predicted, adding that sales of cumin seeds will be badly affected.
According to sources, traders of Cuttack Malgodam area get supplies of cumin seeds from Unja of Gujarat and Nagar in Rajasthan. Around 20 tonnes of cumin seeds are supplied to Cuttack godowns on a daily basis. 15 cumin seed traders procure it and sell it to retailers.
“Earlier, it was being sold for Rs 240- 250 pr kg. Four months back, its price was Rs 200. However, its price has been increased by Rs 175 in phases in the last 4 months,” a trader said.
Price of fennel seeds is also on the rise. Its price has mounted to Rs 180 from Rs 150 per kg. Traders say, the stocked cumin and fennel seeds are sold in old prices. If further supplies are hampered due to low production, their prices will spiral further.
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