Guna Coriander

India is the largest producer of coriander and coriander seeds in the world and exports more than 45,000 tonnes annually to Europe, UK, The Middle East, South Africa, Malaysia and others. Interestingly, the district of Guna contributes about 20 – 25 percent to the total production in India and is in great demand abroad.

The city of Kumbhraj in Guna district is the highest producer of coriander seeds in the world and has both domestic and international companies lining up to purchase its world – famous Kumbhraj coriander. This particular variety that is extensively cultivated in Guna district has a heady aroma, a vibrant green colour and high percentage of essential oil.

It is estimated that over 70,000 hectares of land is under coriander cultivation in this district with an average produce of more than 32,000 metric tonnes. Small and marginal farmers have adopted organic farming techniques to maintain the superior quality and quantity of their produce.

Fresh coriander (both small and thick coriander), mukhwas, coriander powder, coriander seeds (badami (brown seeds) and green seeds) and essential oil are some of the value – added products of this aromatic Kumbhraj coriander. Thick coriander is used to make mukhwas and sold in Gujarat and Maharashtra, small coriander is sold in the domestic markets of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi, coriander powder is sold across the country and abroad and coriander seeds based on their grade have their own pricing for exports.

The coriander processing units established in the Spice Park at Mawan village has provided direct and indirect employment to the women and youth of this district and has significantly increased the revenue of the farmers. Branding, sorting and marketing of the coriander – based products in this district is the next step that the central and state government are actively pursuing.

Written by Lakshmi Subramanian