There is no respite for consumers as prices of garlic are expected to remain high till the new crop arrives in the wholesale market in April. Although garlic is an essential ingredient used in kitchens throughout the year, its high price is disturbing monthly budgets of housewives. “The garlic prices have surged beyond expectations due to lower supplies and good demand for the commodity. The prices of garlic are likely to drop when the new crop arrives in April,” said Gaurav Harde, President of Kanda Batata Aditya Welfare Association at Kalamna wholesale market, while speaking to The Hitavada. Harde further said that the garlic prices have increased to Rs 350 per kilo as compared to one month ago at Rs 300 per kilo. In retail, garlic is being sold for Rs 400 to Rs 480 per kilo.

 

The state of Rajasthan is the largest producer of garlic in the country. Unfavourable rains in the past months have ruined a large portion of the garlic crop leading to a shortage in the market. Another reason for the steep price rise was that last season the ginger prices were at a low of Rs 10 per kg to Rs 25 per kg in the wholesale market. This was on account of favourable climatic conditions last season that resulted in bumper ginger production and steep fall in its price, he mentioned. Last season, the farmers were not happy with a sharp drop in ginger prices, therefore they shayed away from sowing the ginger crop and the acreage came down to a larger extent. This situation had created a mismatch in demand and supply, resulting in higher prices, he further added.