Cumin is a staple spice in Indian kitchens and a major export commodity, especially to markets in the Middle East, Europe, and the USA. Over the past decade, India’s cumin exports have increased tenfold, reaching Rs. 42,531 million in 2021. This growth reflects the massive global demand for this aromatic spice, and with India’s favorable climate and vast growing regions, the country stands at the forefront of cumin cultivation. Yet, the traditional varieties are now showing their limitations. Arid regions where cumin is commonly grown often face issues like erratic rainfall, heat stress in February and March, and limited water and electricity for irrigation.
Farmers in these regions, especially in Rajasthan and Gujarat, often rely on GC-4, a widely cultivated cumin variety. However, its long duration and high water requirement have made it less suitable under changing climate patterns and resource constraints. It is in this context that the ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur, has introduced a new hope: CZC-94 – a short-duration, low-input cumin variety that’s better suited to the realities of today’s arid farming
What Makes CZC-94 Special?
CZC-94 is a cumin genotype that flowers in just 40 to 42 days and matures within 100 to 105 days. This short duration helps farmers in two ways. First, it allows for early sowing and early harvesting, which means the crop can escape the terminal heat stress that usually hits in February or March. Second, in case of late sowing due to delays or weather issues, CZC-94 still manages to mature on time and deliver good yields. This flexibility is especially valuable in dry areas where growing seasons are short and unpredictable.
The crop germinates quickly, requires less water, and needs only three irrigations after germination, unlike the usual four to five for other varieties. This saves both water and effort, which is crucial for areas with large landholdings, limited water sources, and erratic electricity supply.
Lower Input, Higher Savings
One of the biggest concerns in cumin farming is the management of Alternaria blight disease. Most traditional varieties need three to four rounds of preventive pesticide spraying. But since CZC-94 is short-duration and stays in the field for fewer days, farmers could manage the crop with only two to three sprays. This not only cuts down on cultivation costs but also reduces pesticide residue in the final produce. With increasing consumer demand for safe and residue-free spices, CZC-94 has a clear advantage in domestic and export markets.
Better Tolerance to Climate Risks
Farmers growing cumin know that unexpected weather events are becoming more common. In recent years, western disturbances have brought unseasonal rains or cloudy weather during the flowering and post-flowering stages, which drastically reduce yields. CZC-94, with its early maturity, often completes flowering before such risky periods begin. This ability to “escape” the risky phase by maturing early gives it a big edge over traditional varieties.
Regional Adaptation and Farmer Suitability
CZC-94 is showing excellent adaptation in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and other parts of western India where arid conditions prevail. In Rajasthan's Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur districts, farmers found CZC-94 suitable due to its low water requirement and short growing season. Similarly, in Gujarat’s Banaskantha and Patan regions, the variety has shown resilience to terminal heat and erratic rains. With increasing climate uncertainty, farmers in Maharashtra’s dry belt and some parts of Madhya Pradesh and Telangana have also started adopting CZC-94 as a safer alternative. The variety’s ability to thrive in dry and short winter regions makes it a suitable choice for expansion into non-traditional cumin areas as well.
Income Benefits and Market Opportunities
In cumin farming, timing is everything. Farmers who bring their produce early to the market often get better prices. CZC-94 allows growers to harvest by mid-February, which not only lets them avoid late-season crop losses but also helps them fetch a premium price. Moreover, with early income in hand, farmers can plan their next cropping cycle or meet household and input costs without delays.
CZC-94 allows sowing up to mid-December without reducing the yield, farmers also have more flexibility in planning their farming schedule. This can be especially helpful in adjusting to late monsoons or waiting for residual soil moisture to improve.
CZC-94 is emerging as a game-changer for cumin farmers, especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and other arid regions. It is not only resilient to climate stress but also offers flexibility in sowing, saves water and inputs, and matures early enough to secure higher market rates. For farmers looking to increase income with fewer resources and more reliability, CZC-94 provides a timely and sustainable solution. With proper extension support and seed availability, this variety has the potential to revolutionize cumin farming in India’s dry belts.
