Coriander doubles on supply worries

Traders from Gujarat attribute crop failure in key coriander growing states, mainly Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, for the price rise.

"Sowing takes place during November-December and crop starts arriving in the mandis from March. Erratic rains hit the crop in Rajasthan and MP in 2007 and the situation has worsened further as there has been no carry forward stock for the past five years," said a leading trader in Ahmedabad.

According to market estimates, around 60 to 70 per cent coriander crop in these two states failed following erratic rains.

Currently, there is not enough supply of the commodity in the domestic market. Increased wholesale prices have already started taking its toll on retail prices of coriander products. This steep rise has forced dhana dal (a mouth freshner made from coriander) manufacturers to increase the retail prices in Gujarat.

The impact could be guaged from the fact that a sachet of dhana dal marketed under the brand name Bhagat, which used to be sold at 50 paisa per sachet now costs more. Packaged spices manufacturers are also feeling the pinch of coriander price rise.