Garlic price approaching Rs 500

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The price of garlic, which has seen a daily surge in the last few weeks, has reached Rs 500. The price has increased by more than 100 rupees in two weeks. The wholesale price of garlic in the Palayam market ranged from 350 to 400 yesterday. The retail price has reached close to 500 in many places in the state. The price of 1 kg of garlic stood at Rs 300 last week. Garlic prices, which stood between Rs 100 to Rs 125 per kg, increased four times in the past few months. The price of garlic has not been so high in recent times.

The unexpected price hike has adversely affected the market. Last year, the price of one kg of garlic was Rs 30-40 per kg. Traders say that although the price usually increases during winter, this time there has been a massive hike.

Low availability
The availability of garlic has decreased by 70 percent. This has led to an increase in prices. Garlic comes to Kerala from states like Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab. Wholesalers are saying that the reduction in the yield due to climate change is the reason for the increase in the price of garlic. Prices are likely to stay high till the new harvest.