Garlic prices to remain stable for next one year

APMC traders say surplus crop has made it easy for consumers unlike last year

Veda Ramaswamy, Vashi

May 11, 2011 - DNA Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbaikars can heave a sigh of relief. Unlike last year, the garlic prices in market aren’t expected to inflate this year. Traders cite the surplus crops along with a decrease in demand as the reason behind lower prices.

During the period between July, 2010 and March, 2011, the garlic prices had magnified to Rs 250-Rs 300 per kg. Currently, garlic is priced at Rs 35-Rs 55 per kg and is expected to remain constant throughout the year unlike the previous year’s inflation. “Last year, there was a shortage of garlic in market which caused the inflation. But the excess of crop this time has lead to a sharp decline in prices,” said Sanjay Chheda, a trader from Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC).

Another reason for the lowering of prices is the decline in demand of garlic. Due to the sweltering heat, there are more requirements for fruits and vegetables in the market. “Garlic produces heat in the body. During summer, many people prefer fruits and vegetables to prepare juices so as to keep themselves cool. Accordingly, the demand decreases comparatively,” said Chheda.

The quantity of garlic being delivered at APMC this year is huge. It receives around 1,500 sacks of 50 kg garlic each, daily. The garlic is ordered from various places like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The crop is grown during the month of October and is ready for sale from the month of March. “Garlic is an essential component of our food. The news of their prices remaining the same for the rest of the year comes as a respite to us,” said Nandita Thakur, a resident of Vashi.