Vol. 10, Special Issue 8 (2021)

Author(s):
Mohit Kumar, Pramod Kumar Sahoo, Dilip Kumar Kushwaha, Shailendra Nath Saxena, Indra Mani, Gurjeet Singh and Nrusingh Charan Pradhan

Abstract:
Cumin is an important spice crop, having good medicinal properties. It is grown predominately in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. This paper deals with the comprehensive study of nutritional value, cultivation practices, botany morphology, and the varietal characteristics of different varieties of cumin crop. The current scenario and status, of area, production, and productivity in India during 2010 to 2019 has been reviewed to identify the various factors affecting cumin productivity and production. It was found that the area and production of cumin in India increased by 60% and 28% respectively. While cumin export has been increased by 464% in terms of quantity between 2010 and 2019, there is huge potential to increase productivity by managing all the constraints. Therefore, the major challenges and thrust areas were reviewed in this paper. It was found that the further research is needed in the areas of plant breeding as well as biotechnological interventions, seed quality standards, seed priming, and pelleting. Moreover, there is an urgent need to improve weed management practices. In addition, the level of mechanization needs to increase by developing innovative small tools and machineries.