India is experiencing a significant increase in garlic prices, reaching up to $4.88 (₹400) per kilogram, attributed to a nationwide shortage. The scarcity is a result of decreased production last season, as farmers in key garlic-producing states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab opted for alternative crops following years of unfavorable garlic market prices. This shift led to a reduced garlic cultivation area, consequently diminishing the supply.
To address the soaring prices, India has imported garlic from Afghanistan, distributing it across markets in Mumbai, Delhi, and South India. These imports have played a crucial role in preventing retail prices from escalating beyond $6.10 (₹500) per kilogram. Despite these efforts, prices are anticipated to remain elevated for approximately two more months until the new harvest arrives.
According to Sameer Raikar, a garlic trader, the current supply is not meeting the demand, with only five to seven trucks of garlic arriving daily from other states. However, there is an expectation that prices will decline post-February with the influx of the new season's harvest. The anticipation of high prices has motivated farmers in the northern states to increase garlic cultivation, which may aid in stabilizing the market soon.
Source: Punekar News