Export of Garlic from India

[YAGAY andSUN]

Introduction
India is one of the largest producers of garlic in the world, contributing significantly to the global garlic supply. The export of garlic has become an important part of India’s agricultural exports, primarily because of the high demand for garlic in international markets due to its health benefits and culinary uses. Garlic is used as a flavoring agent, preservative, and in medicinal formulations. Over the years, India has successfully positioned itself as a reliable supplier of high-quality garlic, owing to its suitable climate, vast agricultural areas, and skilled workforce. Garlic export contributes to improving the country's foreign exchange earnings and agricultural exports.

HSN Code

The HSN code (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) for garlic is 0703. This code is used internationally to classify garlic as a fresh or chilled vegetable under the broader category of Allium vegetables.

• HSN Code for Garlic: 07032000 (Fresh or chilled garlic)

Legal and Regulatory Framework

The legal and regulatory framework governing the export of garlic from India is primarily managed by various government authorities such as:

1. Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) – Ensures compliance with export-import policies and sets the regulations for garlic exports.
2. Export Inspection Council (EIC) – Monitors the quality and hygiene of food products, including garlic, in line with global standards.
3. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) – Regulates food quality and safety, ensuring that exported garlic meets international food safety standards.
4. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) – Promotes the export of agricultural and processed food products, including garlic, and ensures that they meet export requirements.

Customs Regulations also play an essential role in facilitating smooth garlic exports by ensuring compliance with tariffs, duties, and other trade restrictions.

Season

Garlic is a seasonal crop, and its production cycle varies across different states. The harvest season for garlic in India typically spans from February to May, with peak harvesting occurring in March and April. Therefore, the peak supply for export is generally available post-harvest, between April and July, when fresh garlic is in abundant supply.

Producing States and Areas in India

India’s favorable climate conditions, coupled with its vast agricultural land, allow garlic to be cultivated across the country. The primary garlic-producing states in India are:

1. Rajasthan – The largest producer of garlic in India, especially from the regions of Pali, Nagaur, and Bikaner.
2. Uttar Pradesh – Known for producing high-quality garlic in districts like Meerut, Bulandshahr, and Ghaziabad.
3. Madhya Pradesh – Major garlic-producing areas include Shivpuri and Gwalior.
4. Gujarat – Saurashtra region in Gujarat contributes a significant amount to the garlic production.
5. Haryana – Known for producing garlic in districts like Karnal and Kaithal.
6. Andhra Pradesh – Chittoor, Anantapur, and Kurnool districts are known for garlic cultivation.
7. Maharashtra – Though not as large as the above states, Maharashtra also contributes to garlic production in certain areas.

Export Destination Countries

India exports garlic to a wide array of countries across the globe. The top export destinations for Indian garlic include:

1. Bangladesh – One of the largest importers of Indian garlic, owing to its proximity and demand for garlic.
2. Middle Eastern Countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman) – The Middle East has a high demand for garlic due to its use in traditional cuisines and medicinal properties.
3. United States – A growing market for garlic, with increasing demand for organic and fresh garlic.
4. European Union (Germany, Netherlands, UK, France) – The European market has an appetite for high-quality garlic, especially in processed form.
5. Malaysia – Imports garlic for culinary purposes.
6. South Korea – Known for importing garlic for its usage in food products and preservation.
7. Thailand – Demand for garlic remains high for both culinary and medicinal uses.
8. Sri Lanka – As a neighboring country, Sri Lanka imports a significant amount of garlic from India.

Competitors

India faces competition from other major garlic-producing countries, including:

1. China – The world's largest garlic producer and exporter. China's significant share in global garlic trade often poses a challenge for Indian exporters.
2. Spain – A major supplier of garlic to the European market, especially for processed garlic.
3. Egypt – Another important garlic exporter, particularly in the European and Middle Eastern regions.
4. Argentina – Competes with India in the garlic export market, particularly in Latin American countries.

Export Performance

India has experienced steady growth in the export of garlic over the past few years. Garlic export from India has been expanding due to increasing international demand for fresh garlic and value-added garlic products like garlic powder and garlic paste. However, India's share in the global garlic export market is often overshadowed by China, the world's largest exporter of garlic. Nevertheless, India has managed to retain a competitive position, especially in regions like South Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

India’s garlic export performance is also influenced by the quality of produce, price competitiveness, and the reliability of supply during the off-season months when garlic availability is lower globally.

Department of Commerce Export Import Data Bank
Dated: 14/3/2025
Values in US $ Million
S.No.	HSCode	Commodity	2023-2024	%Share	2024-2025(Apr-Dec)	%Share	%Growth
1	7032000	GARLIC FRESH OR CHILLED	25.42	0.0058	5.56	0.0017
		India's Garlic Export	25.42		5.56
DOC-NIC

Export Incentives

The Government of India offers various export incentives to support the growth of garlic exports:

1. Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RODTEP) – RODTEP aims to refund taxes and duties that are not refunded through other mechanisms, providing a competitive edge to exporters.
2. All Industry Rate (AIR) Duty Drawback – This program helps exporters by providing rebates on duties paid on raw materials used in production.
3. Market Access Initiative (MAI) – The MAI scheme provides financial assistance for market promotion activities, participation in trade fairs, and market studies to enhance garlic export performance.
4. Export Promotion Council – The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitates the promotion of agricultural exports, including garlic. It provides support for packaging, quality certification, and market development activities.
5. SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) Measures – The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ensures compliance with international health standards to make Indian garlic exports acceptable in global markets.

Governing Body

The primary governing bodies that regulate and promote garlic exports from India are:

1. Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
2. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
3. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
4. Export Inspection Council (EIC)

Government Initiatives

The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to promote agricultural exports, including garlic:

1. Agri Export Policy 2018 – Aims to increase agricultural exports by 50% and introduce streamlined processes.
2. National Agriculture Market (eNAM) – An online trading platform that facilitates farmers to get better prices for their produce, including garlic.
3. Promotion of Organic Garlic Export – With growing demand for organic products globally, the government encourages the export of organic garlic from India.

Challenges

1. Competition from China – China’s dominance in global garlic exports remains a significant challenge.
2. Quality Concerns – Meeting international quality standards for export can be difficult for smaller producers.
3. Inconsistent Supply – Due to weather conditions and seasonal variations, garlic supply can fluctuate, leading to inconsistencies in export volume.
4. Price Volatility – Fluctuating prices of garlic in the domestic market can affect export consistency.

Way Outs

1. Increased Research and Development (R&D) – Investing in better farming techniques, disease management, and post-harvest storage will help improve garlic yield and quality.
2. Promoting Organic Garlic – With rising global demand for organic produce, India can tap into this market by promoting organic garlic exports.
3. Building Export Infrastructure – Better cold storage, packaging, and handling facilities will help in maintaining the freshness of garlic during export.

Conclusion

India’s garlic export industry holds great potential to expand globally. By overcoming challenges like competition from China, ensuring consistent quality, and capitalizing on government incentives, India can strengthen its position as a major supplier in the international garlic market. Focusing on research, market diversification, and enhanced infrastructure can help Indian garlic exporters succeed in the increasingly competitive global market.