Most major Indian spices are harvested in the first months of the year. Seed spices such as cumin, fennel and coriander come in roughly February to April, chilli and turmeric in a similar window, and black pepper roughly December to February.
These windows are approximate. Weather moves them by weeks from one year to the next, and timing also varies by region within India. Always confirm the expected timing for your product and year with your supplier.
Approximate harvest windows
The list below shows typical harvest periods in a normal year. Market arrivals often peak a few weeks after harvest starts, as farmers bring dried produce to the mandi.
- Cumin: sown around October to December, harvested roughly February to April. Major areas are Gujarat and Rajasthan.
- Fennel: a winter crop harvested in a similar window, mainly from Gujarat.
- Coriander seed: a winter crop harvested roughly February to April, with Rajasthan a major source.
- Fenugreek: a winter crop in a similar window, also strong in Rajasthan.
- Psyllium (isabgol): a winter crop harvested roughly February to April, mainly from Gujarat and Rajasthan.
- Chilli: roughly January to April, with Guntur in Andhra Pradesh the best-known centre and Telangana also important.
- Turmeric: roughly January to April, from Telangana, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu (Erode).
- Black pepper: roughly December to February, from Kerala and Karnataka.
- Garlic: roughly February to April.
- Onion: several harvests, around October to December (kharif), January to March (late kharif) and March to May (rabi, the crop that is stored).
When market arrivals peak
For seed spices, arrivals at markets such as Unjha usually peak around March to April. This is when the most material changes hands and when the new crop's size and quality become clear. Prices in this period often reflect the real crop, rather than early guesses.
After the peak, farmers and traders hold stock and release it through the year. Processors draw from that stock to fill export orders, which is why you can buy most spices in any month, even though they are harvested once.
Why harvest timing matters to you
- New crop versus old crop: material shipped just before a new harvest may be close to a year old. Ask which crop year you are buying and write it into the contract.
- Quality: fresh crop usually has better colour and aroma. Old crop may have lost some of both, and stored goods can pick up moisture or insects.
- Price clarity: once arrivals peak, the market has a clearer view of supply. Our article on the best time to book agri contracts covers this.
- Lead times: processors are busiest around harvest, which can stretch production slots.
- Weather risk: rain at harvest can raise moisture and mould risk, so testing that season's lots matters more.
Check the season, every season
Treat any calendar, including this one, as a starting point. Ask your supplier when they expect new-crop arrivals for your product, how the current season looks, and when they can ship new-crop material. A good processor will give you a straight answer and update you as the season develops.
How we help
We follow sowing, crop and arrival reports for the products our buyers take, and plan sampling and booking around the real season, not a fixed date. For a season plan for your products, ask for a free sourcing review.