Garlic Prices Soar to ₹500 per Kg Amid Supply Shortage

Garlic prices have surged again, with wholesale rates in Bengaluru reaching ₹350 to ₹400 per kg, while retail prices have climbed to nearly ₹500 per kg. This marks an increase of about ₹60 per kg over the past week.

Why Garlic Prices Are Rising:

This is the second time this year that garlic prices have approached ₹400 per kg in the wholesale market. Earlier in February, delayed sowing and harvesting led to similar price spikes, with garlic selling between ₹400 to ₹500 per kg. According to traders, this time, the extreme heat during March significantly affected the quality of the new garlic crop. Garlic is typically sown between September and October, with harvesting beginning in March. However, the intense heat this year caused substantial damage to garlic crops in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.

Bengaluru's garlic supply primarily originates from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.  However, due to the current monsoon rains, the supply has declined, pushing prices higher. Currently, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are the primary suppliers of garlic to the market.

Onion Prices Also on the Rise:

Onion prices have also increased by ₹10 to ₹15 per kg in the wholesale market due to a supply shortage. Crop losses in Karnataka and stockpiling by suppliers in Maharashtra are being blamed for the price hike. While Karnataka farmers typically harvest onions in August, this year's heavy rains have damaged some crops. It is hoped that high-quality onions will arrive in the market by September. Meanwhile, the prices of leafy greens like coriander and spinach have also surged due to the monsoon rains.