Lucknow: Chinese garlic, which has been banned in India since 2014 due to excessive use of pesticides, has infiltrated the markets of the state capital through the Nepal border. Despite the ban, it is being sold openly due to its lower price and attractive appearance compared to domestic garlic. The daily consumption of 15 to 25 tons of garlic in the city includes Chinese garlic, which is also harming people’s health. It is being sold in almost all areas, including Narhi, Chowk, and Gomtinagar.
The prices of domestic garlic are skyrocketing in the capital. Just a month ago, domestic garlic was selling for ₹200 per kilogram, but now it’s selling for ₹400 per kilogram. On the other hand, Chinese garlic is selling for ₹300 per kilogram. Due to the high price of domestic garlic, it is being smuggled into India from Nepal.
Experts say that Chinese garlic is being brought to the capital’s vegetable market on Dubagga and Sitapur Road from districts like Bahraich, Lakhimpur, and Barabanki, which share a border with Nepal. However, wholesalers are denying its sale. Rinku Sonkar, president of the Sitapur Road Vegetable Market, says that the consumption of Chinese garlic here is less. On the other hand, Lala Yadav, president of the Dubagga Vegetable Market, claims that Chinese garlic is not coming here, but the sale of this dangerous garlic in retail markets is raising questions on their claims.
Agricultural expert Dr. Satyendra Kumar says that Chinese garlic is banned in Indian markets because it uses chemicals like sulfur and lead to increase production in a short time, which is very dangerous for health. He said that due to less land in the state, garlic is only produced in Hardoi and Hamirpur. Therefore, it comes from Punjab’s Karnal and Haryana. If Chinese garlic is being sold in the city, it is a matter of concern.
How to Identify
Dr. Satyendra Kumar Singh, Associate Professor at Chandrabhanu Gupta Krishi Mahavidyalaya, BKTI, says that domestic garlic is cream-colored, rough, has stains and spots, and has small cloves. On the other hand, Chinese or hybrid garlic is very white, smooth, solid, beautiful, dense, and has large cloves. When peeled, Chinese garlic has a slight moisture, while domestic garlic is dry.
