The current prices are substantially higher compared to the prices registered three months earlier when the prices remained subdued at Rs 1300-1400 per quintal despite a 50 per cent shortfall in the production. The prices were ruling much higher at Rs 1600 last year.

The prices were considered to be at their lowest. Moreover, export of fenugreek has also reduced to 40 per cent of production which was about 65 per cent last year. The export inquiries received at the New Bombay market ranged from Rs 1300-1400 per quintal against the current demand at Rs 1600. However, it also faces stiff competition from Australia and Turkey. Bulk of the product is exported to Middle Eeast countries andsome of it to Japan, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Pakistan.

There had been a substantial fall in the demand of domestic as well as international markets due to less arrivals of mangoes in the country and elsewhere. About 80 per cent of fenugreek is used in pickle preparations during the summer season. Indian fenugreek is mainly exported in four grades Chalna, HPS (hand picked select), machine cleaned and bold or pepado fenugreek. Bold fenugreek is exported in a rare case to Europe while chalna grade is exported to Dubai, Singapore and Malaysia whereas machine cleaned and HPS varieties are mainly exported to Europe and Japan. Direct consumption of the product is negligible and is used in ayurvedic preparations mostly consumed in winter for the ailments of artithris and joint pains. The production of fenugreek in the country has seen a loss of 50 per cent due to after effects of El Nino.