Garlic prices double in six weeks as supplies dwindle

PUNE: Garlic prices have doubled in the past 6 weeks crossing Rs 250/kg in retail markets in most parts of the country. The average wholesale prices are around Rs 130-140/kg while the best quality garlic is selling at Rs 220-250/kg in wholesale mandis.

Garlic prices tend to increase in December as the supplies from the stored stocks are at their lowest levels.

The retail prices are currently ruling at a Rs 180-300/kg band for different qualities in different markets as the wholesale prices trade between Rs 150-260/kg.


"Every year garlic prices rise during this period as supplies are less," said Vilas Bhujbal, a wholesale trader from Pune APMC (Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee).

Export ban on onions adds fuel to farmers' unrest
The sudden ban on onion export has led to widespread unrest among farmers, who have already been suffering due to drought followed by unseasonal rainfall. Traders have boycotted auctions that saw prices crashing by 30% in Nashik in Maharashtra.

The central government banned onion exports from December 8 to control the prices, which started rising after the unseasonal rainfall in the state in November. The highest prices had crossed Rs 45/kg in some markets as robust exports to Bangladesh and Nepal were supporting the domestic prices.

After the export ban, the average wholesale prices of onions crashed to Rs 25/kg on Friday at Lasalgaon market from Rs 35/kg before the export ban, while most of the other markets in Nashik district remained closed. However, onion prices was firm in all other markets in Maharashtra on Sunday, with the minimum and the maximum prices ruling between Rs 25/kg to Rs 45/kg in wholesale trade.