Garlic prices to stabilize as UP boosts local production

Lucknow : Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is poised to witness a significant boost in local garlic production. This increase is expected to stabilize demand and supply, keeping market prices under control. The move is likely to curb the smuggling of garlic from China.

India, a major garlic exporter, offers promising opportunities for farmers in Uttar Pradesh. Recognizing this potential, the Yogi government has prioritized strengthening agricultural infrastructure. The state has already developed world-class expressways to facilitate better connectivity for agricultural trade.

To further empower farmers and horticulturists, the government is establishing an export hub near Jewar International Airport. This initiative aims to streamline garlic exports and support the agricultural sector in reaching global markets.

It’s worth noting that onions and garlic complement each other, both playing an equally important role in enhancing the flavor of food. However, when it comes to medicinal properties, garlic surpasses onions. Despite this, garlic often receives less attention compared to onions. Occasionally, garlic grabs headlines, particularly when the price of local varieties skyrockets, leading to the smuggling of Chinese garlic.

This year, garlic prices hit a record high of ₹400 per kilogram. To ensure that rising garlic prices do not affect the common man’s access to flavorful food, the Yogi government is promoting garlic cultivation through a special initiative under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission.

Under the scheme, the estimated cost per hectare for garlic farming has been set at Rs 30,000. Farmers will receive a subsidy of up to Rs 12,000 per hectare, covering 40% of the cost. The plan aims to expand garlic cultivation across an additional 10,000 hectares.

Since quality seeds contribute about 25% to crop productivity, the government has decided to provide seeds to farmers through the National Horticulture Research and Development Foundation (New Delhi). Farmers can avail of the scheme for a minimum of 0.2 hectares and a maximum of 4.0 hectares of garlic farming. The price of seeds has been fixed between Rs 370 and Rs 390 per kilogram.

Farmers in Uttar Pradesh can avail themselves of the garlic farming scheme on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested farmers must contact their district horticulture office or register online at the official website: http://dbt.uphorticulture.in.

Traditionally, garlic farming in Uttar Pradesh was concentrated in districts bordering Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. However, the government has expanded the scope to 45 districts, including Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Bulandshahr, Ghaziabad, Bareilly, Moradabad, Agra, Mathura, Mainpuri, Hathras, Kanpur, Etawah, Kannauj, Lucknow, Unnao, Sitapur, Rae Bareli, Barabanki, Sultanpur, Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Pratapgarh, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Siddharth Nagar, Ballia, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Banda, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Chitrakoot, Mahoba, Lalitpur, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Bhadohi, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Ayodhya and Farrukhabad.

The scheme will be funded jointly by the central government (60%) and the state government (40%). Garlic is typically sown from late October to November, with its leaves becoming usable within two to three weeks for making chutney or seasoning. The mature bulbs can be stored properly for year-round use or processed into pickles and paste.

Notably, garlic is renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping fight infections and prevent oxidative damage in the body. As a rich source of antioxidants, it is known to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Packed with nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, manganese, and selenium, garlic enhances immunity. Its sulfur compounds improve blood circulation, reduce the risk of heart disease, and play a vital role in hair health. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties provide relief from joint pain and swelling.

The increasing interest in garlic farming among Indian farmers is evident from its production growth over the past 25 years, rising fourfold from 2.1 lakh tons to 68.34 lakh tons. India is the second-largest exporter of garlic globally, shipping it to countries such as Indonesia, the United States, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brazil.

In 2023-2024, India achieved a milestone by exporting 56,823 metric tons of garlic, valued at $27.96 billion, marking the first time garlic exports crossed the 50,000-ton mark. This remarkable growth highlights the rising global demand for Indian garlic and its potential to strengthen the agricultural economy further.