A profile of Garlic production in India: Facts, trends and opportunities

Garlic (Allium sativum) is the second important bulb crops grown after onion and contributes 14.0% of world area and 5.0% of production. India, although rank second by area and production, is the lowest as far as productivity is concerned (5.29 t/ha). The area and production of garlic in India (201011) is 200.70 thousand ha and 1061.85 thousand tons with an average yield of 5.29 t/ha. China is leading producer of garlic followed by India. It is grown in large quantities in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Orissa, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Bihar. Indian garlic is now exported even to Pakistan, Thailand, USA, Nepal and Malaysia as well as the traditional market of Bangladesh. The present study was undertaken with the objective to analyze the facts and trends of garlic production in India as well as opportunities in India for garlic cultivation. Study observed that the area and production of garlic is increasing in most of the states except in Maharashtra and Punjab state. The production and productivity of garlic in India are very low compared to many other countries. Unawareness of farmers about improved varieties, climate, soil and agro-techniques, diseases and pest damaging the crops and their control measures as well as post-harvest management are though main reasons, inadequate market support is also responsible for limiting the production and productivity indirectly. The country has been able to export large quantities of garlic after ensuring that the domestic requirements are met.