Cumin (Jeera)

Cumin (Jeera)

News: Sky-rocketing Jeera prices in India are in news recently.

Background:
• Unjha, Gujarat is the largest wholesale market for Jeera.
• Factors such as Demand-supply mismatch, lower domestic production and deliberate mismanagement on supply side are considered to be reasons for driving up of Jeera prices.
• From exam perspective, we will read about climatic conditions and soil type required for growth of Jeera.

What is Cumin/Jeera?
• Cumin is a spice made from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant. It has a distinctive flavor that is earthy, nutty, spicy and warm.
• Cumin is also rich in iron and contains many beneficial plant compounds that have antioxidant properties.
• Cumin has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various conditions, such as indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, infections, diabetes and high cholesterol.
• India produces more than 70% of the world’s cumin. Jeera is grown on about 8 lakh hectares area in India. Other countries include Syria, Turkey, UAE, Iran.
• Out of the total 7.25 lt production in 2021-22, two states – Gujarat (4.20 lt) and Rajasthan (3.03 lt) – had a combined 99.7% share.

What are climatic conditions essential for Cumin to grow?
• Cumin is a weather sensitive crop. It grows well in moderate dry and cooler climate and subtropical climate is ideal for cumin cultivation.
• It can tolerate frost and drought to some extent. Cumin requires low atmospheric humidity and mild winters.
• Frequent rains at the time of flowering, fruit setting, and maturity can lead to diseases in the crop.
• Cumin can be grown on different types of soils, but the most suitable are sandy soils with low organic matter, and clay or clay loam with fair organic matter.