Ever since the dawn of civilization commodities trading have become an integral part in the lives of mankind. The very reason for this lies in the fact that commodities represent the fundamental elements of utility for human beings. Over the years commodities markets have been experiencing tremendous progress, which is evident from the fact that the trade in this segment is standing as the boon for the global economy today. The promising nature of these markets has made them an attractive investment avenue for investors. Earlier investors invested in those companies, which specialized in the production of commodities. This accounted for the indirect investments in commodity assets.

Commodity markets have a huge potential in the Indian context particularly because of the agri-based economy. With the government's initiative for agricultural liberalization, commodities' trading in India has gained increased momentum in activities. To increase the efficiency of the markets the Forward Markets Commission (FMC), the governing body of commodities trading in India has taken several initiatives for the establishment of national level multi-commodity exchanges in India.

However the recent attempt by the Government to permit Multi-commodity National levels exchanges has indeed given it, a shot in the arm. As a result two exchanges Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and National Commodity and derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) have come into being. These exchanges, by virtue of their high profile promoters and stakeholders, bundle in themselves, online trading facilities, robust surveillance measures and a hassle-free settlement system. The futures contracts available on a wide spectrum of commodities like Gold, Silver, Cotton, Steel, Soya oil, Soya beans, Wheat, Sugar, Channa etc., provide excellent opportunities for hedging the risks of the farmers, importers, exporters, traders and large scale consumers.