Production and Marketing of Seed Spices: A Study of Cumin and Coriander in Rajasthan

Cumin and coriander are export-oriented crops in India.In terms of value and quantity, exports of coriander and cumin have declined while imports have been on the rise.The decline in the area and production of these two seed spices in Rajasthan is partly attributable to price volatility in the domestic market due to large-scale imports.Withdrawals of extension services and marketing assistance from the Spices Board after trade liberalisation have contributed to the market uncertainty of seed spices in India.Against this backdrop, the present study analysed the issues and challenges that the farmers encounter in the production and post-production phases of the crop.The study is based on both primary and secondary data sources.Analysis reveals that traders of cumin and coriander in APMCs are in collusion, which makes the outcome of the auction process less favourable to farmers.The study underlines that farmers require institutionalised post-harvest technology coupled with production assistance to result in a larger share of the international market, for which basic infrastructure facilities in APMCs in India have to be at par with international standards.