Cumin, or jeera, is one of India’s most valuable seed spices. India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of cumin, and most of the crop is grown in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Here is a guide based on advice from the ICAR National Research Centre on Seed Spices (NRCSS), Ajmer, and the Spices Board.
Climate and soil
- Cumin needs cool and dry weather during growth.
- Humid or cloudy weather at flowering raises the risk of diseases like blight.
- Well drained sandy loam to loam soil is suitable.
Sowing time
Cumin is generally sown in November in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Very early sowing in warm weather can hurt germination, while late sowing exposes the crop to heat at seed formation.
Varieties
- Gujarat Agricultural University has released varieties under the Gujarat Cumin (GC) name, including wilt tolerant types.
- Rajasthan’s agricultural universities have released varieties under the RZ name.
Choose a variety recommended for your area and buy certified seed.
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Seed and sowing
- Treat seed with a recommended fungicide or bio agent like Trichoderma.
- Sow by broadcasting or in lines. Line sowing makes weeding and spraying easier.
Fertiliser
Apply farmyard manure during land preparation and fertiliser as per a soil test. Avoid excess nitrogen, which can make the crop lush and prone to disease.
Irrigation
- Give a light irrigation right after sowing and another after about a week to help germination.
- Later irrigations should be light and spaced out, depending on soil moisture.
- Avoid irrigation during flowering and seed setting in cloudy weather, since high humidity favours blight.
Sprinkler and drip systems can save water.
Diseases and pests
- Wilt: use resistant varieties, seed treatment and crop rotation.
- Alternaria blight: a major threat in humid weather. Follow expert advice on preventive sprays.
- Powdery mildew: white powder on leaves and stems.
- Aphids: common in late winter.
Harvest
Cumin is usually harvested in February and March, when plants turn yellowish brown. Cut plants early in the morning to reduce seed shattering, dry them on a clean floor and thresh.
Quality and storage
Clean seed fetches better prices. Store in dry, clean bags away from moisture.
Marketing
Unjha in Gujarat is one of the largest cumin markets in the world. Other important mandis are in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur and Nagaur regions. Track prices on Agmarknet and e-NAM, and check NCDEX for futures trends.
Bottom line
Cumin can give high returns when grown in cool, dry weather with light irrigation and timely disease control. Watch the weather closely at flowering.
Source / स्रोत: ICAR National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Spices Board India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
