Banned Chinese garlic flood Karnataka markets; food experts, farmers worried

Authorities in Karnataka seized five quintals of Chinese garlic even as this essential ingredient in Indian kitchens seems to be flooding the market, sparking major concerns among farmers and food experts.

The Chinese-grown garlic has swamped tier-two cities and smaller towns and cities in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts.

Chinese garlic seized

After complaints by the traders, Udupi municipal commissioner B Rayappa raided a wholesaler and confiscated five quintals of Chinese garlic, news agency PTI reported.

Rayappa assured the traders that he would release the products in the market only after ensuring the legitimacy of Chinese garlic.

Chinese garlic is sold at ₹50-60 a kg, while the more healthy Indian varieties cost ₹250 a kg.

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Chinese garlic hits Indian farmers

Naturally, many customers prefer the Chinese garlic. It is also said to be bigger and easier to peel and crush.

A bulk trader in Karnataka, Mohammad Ishaq, told PTI that Chinese garlic appears in the Indian market every now and then. But, this helps to evens the price levels in the market, he added.

But Karnataka is not the only state which is witnessing a virtual invasion of Chinese garlic.

Court pulls up authorities

On Friday, the Allahabad high court summoned the Uttar Pradesh government's food safety and drug administration department to explain how the banned Chinese garlic is available in the market.

The Lucknow Bench of the court also asked the Centre's counsel regarding the mechanism in place for preventing the entry of such items into the country.

The court’s observation came after lawyer Motilal Yadav filed a petition saying Chinese garlic was freely available throughout the country although it has been banned due to its harmful effects.

Why India banned Chinese garlic

China is the world's largest producer of garlic and Chinese garlic is exported to several countries across the world.

India banned its import in 2014 following reports that the Chinese garlic was fungus-infested. It was also said to contain high levels of pesticides.

Two varieties of garlic

Media reports said that the Chinese garlic is light white or pink, while the Indian counterpart is white to pink and light brown.

The Chinese product has a mild aroma, while the Indian garlic has a strong, pungent smell and robust taste.

India produces 32,27,000 tonnes of garlic, which is way behind China whose garlic output totals 2.3 crore tonnes.

Chinese garlic via Nepal, Bangladesh

Farmers said the illegal import of Chinese garlic impacts the Indian market, affecting farmers, particularly in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, which account for the bulk of Indian garlic.

According to some news reports, Chinese garlic is smuggled into India from Nepal and Bangladesh.

(With agency inputs)