The garlic shocker has hit local markets as garlic prices have increased in the past 6 weeks, reaching a current range of Rs. 180 to Rs. 300.
Amid the drop in supply, garlic prices skyrocketed to reach Rs. 400 per kg in some areas. According to reports, the popular Indian household spice is now selling for Rs. 300 to Rs. 400 per kg at some retail markets in the country.
The same monster, unseasonal rainfall, which earlier hit onions and tomatoes, has fallen under the radar for price hikes in Indian markets, causing the garlic price hike. The crops were damaged by unexpected and unseasoned rainfall in October and November.
The garlic shocker hit several local markets as prices have increased in the past 6 weeks, reaching a current range of Rs. 180 to Rs. 300 for various qualities of garlic. According to experts, until new crops hit the market for sale, garlic prices are expected to remain high.
What do the experts have to say about the hike in garlic prices?
According to the Economic Times report, the price at which garlic is sold in the wholesale market averages Rs.130 to Rs.140 per kg, while the wholesale rate of high-quality garlic reached an average of Rs. 220 to Rs. 250 per kg. A Times of India Report states that the situation will remain the same for some time, according to Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) traders. The crop in Maharashtra has been negatively affected by unfavorable weather conditions. Additionally, the supply from southern states has also decreased.
Source: iStock
Western state APMC wholesale markets are selling the strong-flavored bulbs at an average of Rs. 150 to Rs. 250 per kg. This sudden acceleration in prices in the wholesale markets has caused retail prices to dramatically increase up to a range of Rs. 300 to Rs. 400 per kilogram. According to the Mumbai APMC director quoted in The Times of India, local supply is being tightened due to both surplus stock and insufficient production caused by limited rainfall. With the onset of the monsoon and unseasoned rain, the dependency on supply from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan has increased, resulting in elevated garlic prices in the market.
Farmers Face Challenges Amid Crop Damage
Farmers, as always, find themselves at the losing end of crop damage and insufficient production, with the market price hike not benefiting them either. The significant challenges faced by farmers due to both drought and unseasonal rainfall in recent months are negatively impacting supplies, leading to a hike in garlic prices.
Unfortunately, farmers are unable to protect their garlic crops from water damage during intense rainfall. These challenges highlight the vulnerability of farmers to unpredictable weather patterns and their economic consequences.
Typically, during winter months, garlic prices tend to rise as supplies diminish. This situation is unfolding in the country, adding to the concerns of households already dealing with the ongoing onion crisis in Indian retail markets.
The adverse weather conditions over the past few months have affected garlic supplies in various ways. In September, farmers in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh incurred substantial losses, and those at the Krishi Upaj Mandi faced losses amounting to lakhs due to sudden and heavy rainfall.
