Kashmir's Garlic Industry Thrives in 2023-2024

Garlic cultivation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has seen a successful year in 2023-2024, with a total production of 67,500 metric tons across 4,500 hectares of land. A significant portion of this production, 30,000 metric tons, was exported, bringing in revenue of Rs 300 crores. Projections suggest that the total garlic production is set to increase to 70,000 metric tons, driven by an average selling price of Rs 100 per kilogram, which has been higher than in previous years.

Local farmers have expressed contentment with this year's garlic harvest, attributing it to favorable prices and the ease of cultivation. Farmers like Ghulam Rasool from Wanpoh, Anantnag, have found garlic farming to be profitable, with Rasool earning Rs 70,000 from his garlic sales. Another farmer from Qazigund highlighted the advantages of garlic cultivation, emphasizing its reliability as a source of income due to its low labor requirements compared to other crops.

Chowdhary Muhammad Iqbal, the Director of Agriculture in Kashmir, acknowledged the rise in garlic production compared to the previous year. Efforts to improve marketing strategies are underway, with a significant portion of Kashmir's garlic being exported. Iqbal credited the high quality of Kashmiri garlic to the region's favorable climate, noting the unique size and essential constituents that distinguish Kashmiri garlic from other varieties in India. Currently, five different types of garlic are being cultivated in Kashmir, showcasing the diversity of garlic production in the region.

The success of garlic production in Jammu and Kashmir for the fiscal year 2023-2024 highlights the region's potential as a key player in the garlic market. With increasing production, favorable prices, and efforts to enhance marketing, Kashmir's garlic industry is poised for further growth. The satisfaction of local farmers and the unique qualities of Kashmiri garlic underscore the importance of this crop as a reliable source of income and a significant contributor to the agricultural landscape of the region.