Garlic prices in Karnataka, India, have increased as arrivals at Bengaluru’s Yeshwanthpur Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) declined by nearly 50%. Retail prices have reached ₹250–₹280 (US$2.84–US$3.18) per kg, while wholesale prices have approached ₹200 (US$2.27) per kg.

Bengaluru normally receives around 3,000 bags daily, weighing 40–60 kg each. Traders attribute reduced supplies to drought conditions and lower harvest volumes. Karnataka depends on garlic from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan, but current arrivals are mainly from Madhya Pradesh.

On October 16, APMC prices ranged from ₹10,000 (US$114) to ₹24,000 (US$273) per quintal, with a modal price of ₹12,000 (US$136).

Growers are also facing higher input costs. Garlic seed prices have increased from ₹3,000–₹6,000 (US$34–US$68) per quintal last year to ₹10,000–₹15,000 (US$114–US$170) during the current rabi sowing season.

In Chamarajanagar district, water shortages have affected cultivation, although some growers reported prices reaching ₹45,000 (US$511) per quintal.

Traders expect additional arrivals from Gujarat and Rajasthan between December and January, potentially easing supply constraints and prices.