Chinese garlic floods markets in coastal Karnataka, worries local farmers with price drop

The recent influx of Chinese-grown garlic into tier-two cities and smaller towns in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts has alarmed local farmers. Concerns arose after traders and growers in Shivamogga expressed frustration over Chinese garlic flooding the markets.

Following these complaints, Udupi Municipal Commissioner B. Rayappa conducted a raid on a wholesaler in the Agricultural Produce & Livestock Market Committee (APMC) yard in Adi Udupi. Five quintals of Chinese garlic were seized, and Rayappa assured traders that the legitimacy of the garlic would be verified before releasing it back into the market.

Traders revealed that while Indian garlic is priced at Rs 250 per kg, Chinese garlic sells for just Rs 50-60 per kg. The imported garlic appeals to customers due to its larger size, ease of peeling, and ease of crushing. APMC officials in Mangaluru confirmed that the Chinese garlic entered the market through a licensed wholesaler. Retailers, however, do not need a specific license to sell it.

Mohammad Ishaq, a bulk trader from the old port area, stated that Chinese garlic periodically enters the Indian market, helping to stabilize prices. He predicted that the current influx would reduce the price of Indian garlic from Rs 200-225 per kg to around Rs 150-175 per kg. While the cheaper Chinese garlic helps lower prices, local farmers are concerned about the impact on their livelihoods as their homegrown garlic faces stiff competition.