India

Garlic At Rs 400 Per Kg? Know Why The Price Is Soaring

By
OB Bureau

New Delhi: The price of garlic has reached as high as Rs 400 per kg in certain markets in the country, especially in the the northeastern states, raising an alarm. Three months ago, garlic sold for Rs 150, when prices first started to rise.

Depleting groundwater in two major producer states, which turns into a farming catastrophe whenever the monsoon rains fail, is driving sudden and sharp spikes in garlic prices, traders and experts said, describing the situation as an environmental-farming disaster that was long in the making, Hindustan Times reported. A patchy monsoon and poor rainfall have damaged crops, leading to a decline in garlic output. The situation is expected to stabilise in January with the arrival of a fresh crop, but prices may remain elevated until March. China is the largest producer of garlic globally, accounting for 73.8% of total production, the report added.

According to a trader in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur, the largest wholesale trading hub for the commodity, on Monday, the costliest variety sold at a wholesale rate of Rs 23,000 a quintal (100kg).

Garlic is grown in both summer (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons. Traders say poor rainfall damaged the summer crop sown around July in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Maharashtra alone accounts for nearly 40% of the total production in India. Farmers had to replant the crop towards September, when the rains picked pace. Kharif-sown garlic is planted in June-July and harvested in October-November. Delayed sowing has pushed back harvesting, straining supplies, the report added.

Garlic output has been declining over the years. According to official estimates, production in 2022-23 stood at 2.2 million tonnes in contrast to 3.5 million tonnes in the previous year. In 2020-21, garlic output stood at 3.3 million tonnes.

While Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat are also large producing states, a shortfall in Maharashtra and Karnataka has exacerbated the crisis. When rains fail, farmers usually turn to pumping ground water but depleting subterranean water tables in Karnakata and Maharashtra hit garlic growers hard.

“There was no water at even 40 feet. The per-feet costs vary around Rs 300- Rs 500 and the more you dig deeper the more expenses you incur,” an official of the Bidar wholesale market was quoted as saying by the publication.

Globally, China leads in garlic production, accounting for 73.8% of total production, followed by India with a 10.4% share, suggesting a huge productivity gap.

OB Bureau

Recent Posts

After Breakup, Malaika Arora’s Relationship Status Is ‘Hehehe’

Mumbai: After beau Arjun Kapoor declared publicly that he is not dating anyone right now,…

November 25, 2024

Amid Aishwarya & Abhishek’s Divorce Rumours, Shweta Gifts Flowers To Ash’s Sister-In-Law

Mumbai: Even though Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan have maintained a dignified silence over their…

November 25, 2024

Siddhant Das To Step Down As Chairman Of Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority

Bhubaneswar: Siddhant Das has sought to step down as Chairman of Odisha Real Estate Regulatory…

November 25, 2024

ISL: Odisha FC Hammer Hyderabad 6-0, Biggest Win Of The Season

Hyderabad: Odisha FC went on a scoring spree at the Gachibowli Stadium as they humbled hosts…

November 25, 2024

Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Debut’ Film ‘Paanch’ To Be Released After 22 Years!

Mumbai: Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s directorial debut ‘Paanch’ is finally going to see the light of…

November 25, 2024

Taapsee Pannu Wants To Work With Big Heroes For This Reason

Mumbai: Actress Taapsee Pannu, who has shared screen space with very few A-listers, has now…

November 25, 2024

Vigilance Arrests Forester & ‘Gaon Sathi’ For Misappropriation Of Rs 10 Lakh Govt Funds In Odisha’s Koraput

Bhubaneswar: Vigilance has arrested a Forester and a Gaon Sathi (village mate) for alleged misappropriation…

November 25, 2024

IPL Auction: Vaibhav Suryavanshi Becomes A Crorepati At 13! Bhuvi Bags Rs 10.75 Cr

Mumbai: Ten days ago, Vaibhav Suryavanshi made headlines after becoming the youngest cricketer to make…

November 25, 2024