![[Skip to navigation]](../img/transparent.gif){kind=small}
Garlic - production & trade
Besides onion, garlic is the most important bulb crop grown almost all over South Asia. It is used widely for flavouring and seasoning dishes, pickles and sauces.
World production
Large amounts of garlic are produced in China and India. India produced some 500,000 metric tonnes in 2003, with Pakistan and Bangladesh producing 60,000 and 43,000 metric tonnes respectively. The main producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Orissa, Rajastan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharastra and Bihar.
Garlic is normally grown by planting out separate cloves during September to October in the lowlands and between February and March in the hills. Bulbs begin to form after about two months. Harvesting takes place 3 to 4 months after planting, when the leaves start turning yellow and begin the dry up. Bulbs are transported in bunches or in crates.
Some of the major growing states, particularly Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharastra, process garlic powder by spray-drying flaked garlic. India also produces odourless oil and oleoresin for export. These are used in the food and medicine industries.
Cultivation
 |
| Image: Garlic bulbs from Madhya Pradesh. |
Processing
Garlic is consumed in considerable amounts all over South Asia. In India, so much is used that some has to be imported to satisfy demand. Commercially grown garlic bulbs are de-leaved and dried. Fresh garlic is sold singly in bulbs. Bulbs are also processed by peeling, slicing or flaking, and drying. These are packaged and marketed or are added to processed foods as a spice or in vegetable mixtures.Some of the major growing states, particularly Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharastra, process garlic powder by spray-drying flaked garlic. India also produces odourless oil and oleoresin for export. These are used in the food and medicine industries.
