Surging demand for garlic sparks record cultivation in Kashmir valley

Srinagar, Nov 18: This year, the demand for garlic has remained strong, prompting farmers from various parts of the Kashmir Valley to prioritize the cultivation of garlic in their vegetable gardens over other crops.
Javid Ahmad Teli, a farmer from the Budgam district, informed Rising Kashmir that in 2024, he has earned a substantial income from the garlic he harvested in June. Farmers from other districts have also reported significant earnings from this crop.
“This year, farmers have chosen to plant garlic exclusively in their vegetable fields rather than other crops. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for garlic remained robust throughout 2023. Consequently, farmers have enjoyed a good revenue stream from this crop, which is the primary reason for its increased cultivation in vegetable fields across the Kashmir Valley,” Teli said.
Ali Mohammad, another farmer from the Pattan area said that farmers in the Kashmir Valley, who rely heavily on agriculture and horticulture, have also opted to grow garlic in their vegetable fields.
“The farmers have high hopes that the demand for garlic will continue to be strong in the upcoming season. If the demand for this crop remains high in the outside markets of Jammu and Kashmir, garlic production in the Kashmir Valley is expected to surpass previous records,” he said.
Choudhary Mohammad Iqbal, Director of Agriculture Kashmir, indicated that in 2024, the demand for garlic in the Kashmir Valley has been notably high. Farmers have also reported good profits from garlic harvested between May and June 2024.
“The Agriculture Department is actively engaged at the grassroots level in every village of the Kashmir Valley, where it organizes various awareness programs. These initiatives aim to enable farmers to cultivate a diverse range of crops in their vegetable fields across different seasons, thereby providing them with a substantial source of income, he said.
Bashir Ahmad Bashir, President of the Parimpora Fruit Mandi Association, noted the significant demand for Kashmiri garlic, which has been supplied to the southern states of India. Those who purchase this crop from farmers and supplied it to other states have reported considerable profits from this venture.
“This garlic is also utilized in medicinal applications and possesses numerous health benefits. Additionally, it is an integral component of the traditional Wazwan cuisine in the Kashmir Valley. The demand for Kashmiri garlic has surged notably this November,” he said.