The price of hill garlic in Madurai and Dindigul districts has dropped to approximately $1.80 per kilogram, down from $4.20–$4.80 per kilogram last week. This sharp decline is attributed to increased garlic arrivals from Maharashtra and Ooty, which have flooded the market.
According to Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangam Peravai (Madurai) secretary Mayil Moolaporul, "In most parts of Madurai city, traders and street hawkers are selling malai poondu (hill garlic) for just $1.80 per kg. The price was previously hovering around $5.00–$5.35 per kg, with concerns about the supply of Chinese garlic. However, the large-scale arrivals of garlic from Maharashtra and Ooty have changed the market dynamics, leading to a price crash."
This surplus supply has raised concerns among Kodaikanal farmers, where garlic cultivation covers over 1,100 acres. MP Meenakshi Sundaram, a Kodaikanal garlic farmer, noted, "For the past week, there have been huge arrivals from Ooty (Mettupalayam variety). This variety grows within 90–100 days, is mostly used as seed, and has less taste and aroma. However, since consumers cannot easily differentiate between the superior Kodaikanal variety, they buy it. Kodaikanal garlic has better flavor and a longer growth period of four months. I am helpless about the sudden price drop, as I sold 100 kg of garlic for $455 last week."
An official from the horticulture department in Kodaikanal explained that Kodaikanal's climate is ideal for garlic cultivation, particularly in villages such as Poomparai and Manavanur. The recent influx of garlic from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Mettupalayam has impacted prices, but this kind of market fluctuation is common for farmers and traders.
Source: The New Indian Express