Growth, Decomposition Analysis and Price Behaviour of Garlic in India

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a commercially grown spice that plays a significant role in rural livelihoods, providing opportunities for revenue diversification and value-added processing. The present study utilised secondary time-series data to identify growth trends in area, production, and productivity of garlic in India and Himachal Pradesh. A decomposition analysis revealed that the interaction between area and productivity contributed the most towards the change in production in India. In contrast, the area effect was highest in Himachal Pradesh. A seasonality analysis of garlic prices and arrivals in Solan, Kullu, and Ludhiana markets was also conducted, revealing that November, December, and January had the highest seasonal indices for prices, while April, May, and June had the highest seasonal indices for arrivals. India is the second-largest garlic producer globally after China; however, its productivity is comparatively low. Enhancing productivity, therefore, requires improved modern agricultural practices and adequate post-harvest infrastructure.