Mangaluru
Chinese-grown garlic has inundated tier-two cities, smaller towns, and cities in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts, causing concern among local farmers. On Tuesday, traders and growers expressed dismay over the influx of Chinese garlic in the Shivamogga markets.
The markets in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts have been inundated with Chinese-grown garlic, causing concern among local farmers. Traders and growers in Shivamogga expressed their dismay over the situation.
In response to complaints from traders, Udupi Municipal Commissioner B Rayappa conducted a raid on a wholesaler at the Agricultural Produce and Livestock Market Committee (APMC) yard in Adi Udupi, seizing five quintals of Chinese garlic.
He assured traders that the confiscated produce would only be released into the market after verifying its legitimacy.
According to traders, Chinese garlic is sold at Rs 50-60 per kg, while Indian varieties are priced at Rs 250 per kg. Customers tend to prefer Chinese garlic due to its larger size and ease of peeling and crushing.
APMC officials in Mangaluru stated that Chinese garlic has entered the market under the trade licenses held by wholesalers. They also mentioned that retail traders do not require a special trading license to sell Chinese garlic.
Mohammad Ishaq, a bulk trader in the old port area said that Chinese garlic appears in the Indian market periodically and helps balance the price level. He added that the influx of Chinese garlic is expected to bring down the prices of Indian garlic from Rs 200-225 per kg to Rs 175-150 per kg.
