Role of seed quality parameters in determining cumin prices

India is the largest cumin producer and exporter. Its cultivation is concentrated in Gujarat and Rajasthan. This study analysed the role of seed quality parameters in determining prices of cumin in major markets in Rajasthan (Jodhpur and Medtacity) and Gujarat (Unjha, Thorad and Nenawa). Above markets were chosen based on major cumin arrivals. 75 samples were collected from above APMC yard with different spot price during April and May, 2022 and taken to ICAR-NRCSS Ajmer for lab analysis. Seed quality parameters, namely, seed purity, inert mater, other crop seeds, insect damage, pedicel, seed weight, moisture content, germination and seed vigour index were recorded and regressed against price received using multiple linear regression. Results revealed that 71% variation in the cumin spot prices was determined by seed quality parameters. Purity %age and test weight of the cumin lot increased the cumin prices significantly. On the other hand, presence of inert material decreased the prices received for cumin lot significantly, keeping other things constant. Dummy variable was used to differentiate the role of markets and found significant. Results highlighted that for same quality lot, mandis in Rajasthan provided higher prices than in Gujarat. Further, 77% of the cumin farmers from those samples were collected brought their produce for sale without primary grading. Finding suggests that quality parameter plays an important role in determining the prices in cumin hence farmers are advised to adopt grading to harness higher prices.