Garlic Prices Soar to ₹400/kg Amidst Dwindling Supplies

In the wake of escalating onion prices that recently gripped the nation, garlic has now joined the league of skyrocketing spice costs, primarily due to a sharp decline in supplies.

Garlic, a staple spice widely used across India, has witnessed an unprecedented price hike, nearly doubling in just a few days. Retail markets report garlic prices reaching ₹400 per kg in certain areas, attributing the surge to a scarcity in supplies. The spice, essential in Indian cuisine, is currently priced between ₹300 to ₹400 per kg, with expectations of sustained high rates until year-end.

Wholesale prices of garlic tell a similar story, experiencing a significant upswing, with rates ranging from ₹130-140 in wholesale markets. Premium quality garlic is fetching even higher prices, ranging from ₹220-250 per kg at the wholesale level, according to reports from The Economic Times.

The meteoric rise in garlic prices follows a pattern seen with onions, as both spices witnessed a doubling of prices within a week. The primary cause behind this surge can be traced back to the diminishing supply of garlic nationwide, a consequence of extensive crop damage resulting from unseasonal rainfall induced by Cyclone Michaung.

The aftermath of Cyclone Michaung wreaked havoc on garlic crops in various parts of India, causing a substantial reduction in the spice's availability in the market. As a result, prices have doubled, and the trend is anticipated to persist until the arrival of the new yield, expected by the end of the month. Typically, garlic prices rise during the winter season due to lower yield and supply.

This sudden spike in garlic prices follows closely on the heels of onion shortages, where high prices and low supply persisted in wholesale markets despite efforts by the central government to stabilize them. The ongoing trend of soaring prices for essential fruits and vegetables can be attributed to unexpected and extreme weather conditions in parts of India, leading to a diminished crop yield. The situation calls for close monitoring as the nation grapples with the impact of weather-induced agricultural challenges.