Garlic Farming in India: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Garlic farming is fast becoming a profitable agricultural business in India due to its increasing demand in the food, pharmaceutical, and spice industries. If you’re wondering where and how garlic is grown in India, how much it costs to start, and how much you can earn, this beginner-friendly, in-depth guide covers everything step by step—from soil preparation to market sale—tailored specifically for 2025.

What is Garlic Farming?

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a bulbous crop related to onions. It’s used in cooking, medicine, pickling, and even cosmetics. Garlic farming involves growing garlic bulbs under specific soil and climate conditions, harvesting them at the right time, and selling the bulbs or value-added products.

Why Choose Garlic Farming in India?

• High Market Demand: Used in 90% of Indian households daily.
• Export Potential: India exports garlic to countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, Malaysia & UAE.
• Medicinal Value: Rich in allicin—used in heart medicines and herbal products.
• Multiple Income Sources: Garlic bulbs, garlic powder, pickles, garlic oil.

Garlic Farming Statistics (India – 2024)

Source: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (2024)

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Where is Garlic Grown in India?

The top garlic-producing states are:

• Madhya Pradesh – Largest producer; suitable soil and climate.
• Gujarat – High-quality garlic variety (Bhavnagar garlic).
• Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh – Expanding acreage in recent years.

Is Garlic Farming Profitable?

Yes. Let’s look at the approximate cost-profit analysis per acre.

📈 Garlic Farming Profit Analysis (Per Acre)

Expected Yield: 50 quintals
Market Price: ₹3,500/quintal
Gross Return: ₹1,75,000
Net Profit: ₹1,28,000

✅ Highlight: High ROI (Return on Investment) of over 250% in 5–6 months.

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Step-by-Step Garlic Farming Process

1. Climate & Soil Requirement

• Temperature: 12°C–25°C
• Soil: Sandy loam, rich in organic matter with pH 6–7
• Drainage: Well-drained soil is essential to prevent bulb rot.

2. Land Preparation

• Plough the land 3–4 times.
• Mix 15–20 tons of well-decomposed cow dung.
• Level the soil to ensure proper drainage.

3. Seed Selection

• Use healthy cloves from disease-free bulbs.
• Popular varieties: Agrifound White, G-282, G-1, and Yamuna Safed

4. Planting Time

• Ideal time: October to November
• Spacing: 15 cm row-to-row, 10 cm plant-to-plant
• Plant cloves at a depth of 3–5 cm.

5. Irrigation

• First irrigation immediately after planting.
• Then at a 10–15 day interval, depending on soil moisture.

6. Fertilisation

• Apply NPK: 60:50:50 kg/ha.
• Organic alternatives: Neem cake, vermicompost, and biofertilizers.

7. Pest & Disease Control

• Common issues: Thrips, white rot, purple blotch
• Use neem-based biopesticides or recommended fungicides.
• Practice crop rotation to avoid disease buildup.

8. Harvesting

• 4–5 months after planting (March–April)
• Signs: Leaves turn yellow and start drying.

9. Post-Harvest Handling

• Cure bulbs under shade for 7–10 days.
• Grade based on size, store in cool, dry conditions.

Garlic Marketing & Income Opportunities

➤ Primary Sales:

• Local mandis, vegetable markets
• Direct-to-consumer (D2C) through farmer groups or WhatsApp

➤ By-product Opportunities:

• Garlic Powder – High in demand by food industries
• Garlic Pickles – Local and urban markets
• Garlic Oil & Extracts – Ayurvedic and pharma companies

➤ Export Opportunities:

India exports garlic through APEDA-registered traders
👉 Visit APEDA Garlic Export Details

Storage Tips for Garlic Farmers

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Smart Tips for Garlic Farming Success

• ✅ Use drip irrigation for better water management.
• ✅ Join FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations) to access bulk buyers.
• ✅ Government Subsidy Schemes under MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture)
• ✅ Attend Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) training programs for the latest garlic farming techniques.
• 👉 ICAR – Garlic Production Techniques

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Conclusion

Garlic farming  is a high-return, low-risk agricultural business when done with proper planning and care. From selecting the right seeds to identifying the right market for selling, Indian farmers have huge opportunities in garlic cultivation in 2025. With increasing domestic consumption and export demand, garlic is truly a golden bulb for your agri-business.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best time to plant garlic in India?
October to November.

2. Which Indian states grow garlic the most?
Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh.

3. How much can I earn from 1 acre of garlic?
₹1.25–1.5 lakh depending on the market rate and yield.

4. How long does garlic take to grow?
4 to 5 months.

5. What are the best garlic varieties?
Agrifound White, G-1, G-282, Yamuna Safed.

6. Can garlic be grown organically?
Yes, using compost, neem oil, and crop rotation.

7. How is garlic stored after harvest?
In dry, well-ventilated areas at 0–2°C.

8. Can I export garlic from India?
Yes, through APEDA-registered exporters.

9. Is drip irrigation good for garlic?
Yes, it improves yield and saves water.

10. Are there any subsidies for garlic farming?
Yes, under MIDH and various state-specific horticulture schemes.