Psyllium is a winter (rabi) crop, sown around October to December and harvested roughly February to April. Market arrivals at Unjha usually peak around March to April.
Prices often ease as the new crop arrives, then move through the year with crop size, carry-over stocks and export demand. Timings vary by year and weather, so confirm the current season with your supplier.
The season in outline
- October to December: sowing. Farmers decide how much land to give psyllium versus cumin, mustard and other crops.
- December to February: crop growth. Cold, dry weather suits the crop.
- February to April: harvest. Dry weather at maturity is critical.
- March to April: peak arrivals at Unjha and other markets, and the clearest view of crop size.
- May onwards: stocks are held by farmers, traders and processors and released through the year.
What moves the price
The local reference price is set by daily seed auctions at the APMC market. Husk and powder prices follow seed prices, plus milling yield and costs. The auction system is explained in what an APMC market is.
- Sowing area: high prices last year often bring more area this year, and the reverse.
- Weather: rain or unseasonal heat near harvest can cut yield and quality.
- Carry-over stocks: large stocks from last year hold prices down even if the new crop is small.
- Export demand: the US and other large buyers can move the market when they book.
- Quality of the crop: a rain-damaged crop means less high-grade husk, so top grades rise more than low grades.
When to buy
Many buyers book around the harvest, once crop size is clearer and fresh seed is available. Others spread purchases across the year to average the price. Neither approach is always right. Booking early with a reliable mill gives you supply security, but you take the risk that prices fall later.
A seasonal or forward booking can fix price and volume for several shipments. The method is explained in what forward or seasonal price booking is. For the wider picture of yearly swings, see why psyllium prices swing between years.
Watch the weather in February and March
The weeks before harvest matter most. Reports of rain, hail or heavy dew in north Gujarat and Rajasthan at that time often move prices quickly. If you need high-grade husk, ask your supplier for crop updates through this period.
Sowing reports in November and December give an earlier hint of crop size. Early arrivals in February also show crop quality. Poor early quality can push prices up before the main harvest is in.
How Creston & Co handles this
We follow arrivals and auction prices at Unjha through the season and share what we see with you. We can help you book a seasonal price with a checked mill and follow each shipment against it. Ask for a free sourcing review.