H2: 1. Introduction: The Versatile Spice Loved Worldwide
Coriander (also known as cilantro in the West) is one of the most used herbs and spices in global cuisine. Its leaves, seeds, and oil have culinary, medicinal, and industrial uses. With increasing demand for organic spices and herbal products, coriander is a profitable and fast-growing export crop.
Unlike other spices that take a long growing cycle, coriander can be harvested multiple times in a year depending on your goals (leaf or seed). Its adaptability and short cycle make it ideal for small-scale and large commercial operations.
As consumers globally are shifting toward natural and organic herbs, coriander farming is gaining traction not just in Asia but also across North America, Europe, and Africa.
H2: 2. Global Demand and Market Overview
Top Producers: India, Morocco, China, Mexico
Major Importers: USA, Germany, UAE, UK, Canada
According to recent export data, India alone exported over 50,000 MT of coriander seeds annually, contributing to millions in revenue. The demand in international markets is mainly for bold-seeded and oil-rich coriander, especially organic-certified.
Coriander is also processed into coriander powder, coriander essential oil, and even used in flavoring liquors. The food processing industry alone accounts for 70% of global coriander demand.
H2: 3. Best Conditions for Coriander Farming
Climate: Cool and dry
Temperature: 15°C to 30°C
Soil: Sandy loam with good drainage, pH 6.0–7.5
Season: Rabi (Oct–Jan in India) or Spring in temperate zones
Sunlight: 6–8 hours daily
Well-drained soils rich in organic matter result in the best yields. Avoid waterlogging at all costs to prevent root rot and mildew.
H2: 4. Coriander Varieties for Farming & Export
Indian Varieties:
CO-1, CO-2: Tamil Nadu-based, fast maturing
CS-6, CS-52: Suitable for seed production, good oil content
Ajmer Green: Ideal for dual use (leaf + seed)
Export-Focused Varieties:
Russian Coriander: Bold-seeded, oil-rich, high demand in Europe
Surabhi: Aromatic, oil content above 1%
RCr-41: Suitable for drier climates
H2: 5. Complete Coriander Farming Process
H3: Step 1: Land Preparation
Deep ploughing 2–3 times
Apply 10–12 tons of FYM per acre
Add Trichoderma and neem cake for soil health
H3: Step 2: Seed Preparation & Sowing
Use 10–15 kg seeds per acre
Crush coriander seeds slightly (split them) for better germination
Soak in bio-fungicide or Trichoderma for 4–5 hours
Sow using line method (20 cm row spacing)
H3: Step 3: Irrigation
First watering right after sowing
Subsequent irrigation every 12–15 days
Drip irrigation is best for yield + water saving
H3: Step 4: Fertilization
Basal dose: 40 kg N + 20 kg P2O5 per acre
Apply 2–3 foliar sprays of micronutrients (Zn, B)
Use vermicompost and biofertilizers in organic setups
H3: Step 5: Weed Control
Manual weeding at 20 and 40 days
Use organic mulch or straw to suppress weeds
Pre-emergent bio-herbicides can also be used in large farms
H2: 6. Intercropping and Rotation Benefits
Coriander works well with:
Intercropping: Garlic, onion, fenugreek
Rotation: Cotton, pulses, wheat, maize
Crop rotation helps break pest cycles and boosts soil health.
H2: 7. Common Pests & Diseases
Pests:
Aphids: Suck sap, cause curling
Cutworms: Damage stems at base
Caterpillars: Chew on leaves
Diseases:
Powdery Mildew: White fungal coating on leaves
Wilt: Sudden yellowing and plant collapse
Root Rot: Waterlogging-related fungal disease
Organic Controls:
Neem oil spray
Garlic-chili extract
Trichoderma application
Yellow sticky traps for aphids
Chemical Controls:
Dimethoate 30% EC (for aphids)
Mancozeb 75 WP (fungicide)
Use chemicals only as a last resort or under expert advice.
H2: 8. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
For leaves: Start cutting from day 30, repeat every 15–20 days
For seeds: 90–110 days after sowing
Indicators: Leaves turn yellowish and seeds turn brown
Post-Harvest Steps:
Harvest early morning
Dry under shade (not direct sun)
Clean with air or sieve
Pack in airtight, food-grade bags for storage/export
H2: 9. Value Addition and Processing
Coriander Powder: High demand in FMCG
Essential Oil: Used in herbal extracts, cosmetics, pharma
Coriander Tea: New health trend (anti-inflammatory)
Equipment Needed:
Seed cleaner
Pulverizer/grinder
Oil extractor (steam distillation)
Processing increases farmer profits by 25–50%.
H2: 10. Packaging and Branding for Export
Use moisture-proof, vacuum-sealed bags
Add QR codes, expiry, batch info
If possible, apply for Geographical Indication (GI) tag (like Erode coriander)
H2: 11. USD Profit Table per Acre
ActivityCost (USD)Revenue (USD)NotesYield (per acre)—800–1000 kgDry seedsLocal Price per kg—$1.0–1.5India domesticExport Price per kg—$3.0–4.0Bold seed, organic certifiedTotal Revenue—$3,200–4,0001000 kg × $4Total Expense—$800–1,000Labor + inputsNet Profit—$2,400–3,000High-margin with export
H2: 12. Home Gardening Tips
Grow in pots or recycled containers
Keep partial shade, moist soil
Use composted kitchen waste
Best time: Spring and early fall
Harvest leaves every 15 days
H2: 13. Common Issues and Smart Solutions
IssueSolutionYellow leavesApply compost tea or diluted cow urineFungal growthEnsure proper air circulationSlow growthAdd phosphorus-rich compost (banana peel)Seed not formingEnsure 6+ hours sunlight
H2: 14. Export Process and Certification
Register with Spice Board or APEDA (India)
Apply for Organic Certification if selling abroad
Partner with exporters or use online B2B platforms (Alibaba, TradeIndia)
Documents Needed:
Farm invoice
Lab test for aflatoxin, purity
Moisture certificate (<10%)
Phytosanitary certificate
H2: 15. Future Trends in Coriander Farming
Contract Farming: Retail brands tying up with farmers
Hydroponic Cilantro: New trend in USA and UAE
Blockchain Tracking: Traceability for premium buyers
Coriander Tea Exports: Growing in Europe and Japan
Farmers who adapt to global trends will enjoy 2–3x income from same land area.
H2: 16. Conclusion: Fast-Growth, High-Demand Crop
Coriander is ideal for small and marginal farmers. With short duration, low input, and high global demand, you can earn over $3,000 per acre with organic coriander farming. Its versatility and market value make it a top pick in the spice export sector.
🌿 “Small crop, global reach. Sow coriander and reap dollars.”
H2: 17. FAQ: All About Coriander Farming
Q1. How much can I earn from coriander per acre?
A: Up to $3,000 if sold as organic export-quality seeds.
Q2. What is the export rate of coriander?
A: $3 to $4/kg for bold, organic-certified seeds.
Q3. Is coriander same as cilantro?
A: Yes. Leaves = cilantro, Seeds = coriander.
Q4. How many days does it take to harvest coriander?
A: 30–40 days for leaves, 90–110 days for seeds.
Q5. Can I grow coriander organically?
A: Absolutely. It thrives on compost, neem cake, and natural sprays.
Q6. How can I dry coriander seeds?
A: Shade-dry for 7–10 days, ensure no moisture before storage.
Q7. Which variety is best for export?
A: Russian coriander or CS-6 variety.
Q8. How to prevent coriander from bolting?
A: Maintain cool weather, avoid nitrogen overdose.
Q9. Can I grow coriander in the USA?
A: Yes, during spring and fall in most zones.
Q10. What license is needed to export coriander?
A: Spice Board or APEDA registration depending on country.
image in
Farming Flow: Seed → Plant → Dry → Pack → Export
Two Uses: Leaves (cilantro), Seeds (coriander)
Export Map: India → USA, UAE, Germany, Canada
Dollar Profits, Organic Tags, Container Farming Icons , coriander farming, cilantro farming, coriander export, organic coriander cultivation, spice farming, coriander profit in USD, Indian spices
✍️Real Neel
Founder -Farming Writers
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