Umaisar Gull Ganie
Srinagar, Jun 10 : The Kashmir Valley has achieved remarkable revenue generation of Rs 300 crores from this year’s garlic production, with an increase in prices compared to previous years, official data reveals.
According to the data accessed by the news agency, the 2023-2024 fiscal year saw the production of 67,500 metric tons of garlic, covering 4,500 hectares of land.
Out of the total production, 30,000 metric tons of garlic have been exported outside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which has resulted in a revenue of Rs 300 crores.
According to the data, the total garlic production for the fiscal year is expected to reach 70,000 metric tons. The average sale price of garlic this year has been Rs 100 per kilogram, higher than in previous years. This has further contributed to the increased revenue.
Farmers have expressed satisfaction with this year’s garlic cultivation.
Ghulam Rasool, a farmer from Wanpoh, Anantnag, said, “This year, we have grown garlic in good quantity as we saw good prices last year. I have sold my garlic for Rs 70,000. Garlic has proven to be a better option compared to other vegetables.”
Another farmer from Qazigund said garlic cultivation has numerous benefits. “Garlic cultivation has become a livelihood for many people here. The cultivation takes less labour and is easier compared to other crops,” he said.
Director Agriculture, Kashmir, Chowdhary Muhammad Iqbal said this year’s garlic production is higher compared to last year. He said efforts to strengthen marketing strategies are underway.
“A large quantity of garlic is being exported outside the Union Territory,” Iqbal said.
Chowdhary said the favourable climate in Kashmir contributes to the high quality of garlic produced in the valley. “The essential constituents are present in the valley’s garlic. The size of garlic found in Kashmir is unique and not found anywhere else in India,” he said, adding that five varieties of garlic are currently being cultivated in Kashmir
