Chinese garlic sold openly in Assam markets despite ban

Authorities turning a blind eye to its open sale

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: Although the central government banned Chinese garlic way back in 2014 due to health risks, such garlic is recently seen being openly sold in the markets of the state. The authorities concerned are, however, turning a blind eye to the open sale of Chinese garlic.

Sources said that Chinese garlic is brought to the state from Bangladesh through two routes-one through Jowai in Meghalaya and the other through the Barak Valley. So, instead of local varieties, the Chinese variety of garlic is seen being displayed more in the markets.

There are two reasons attributed to the proliferation of Chinese garlic. On one hand, the production of local varieties is not adequate, and on the other, the price of local garlic is more than the Chinese ones in Guwahati markets. While the local varieties are sold for around Rs 400 per kg, the Chinese garlic is sold for around Rs 300 per kg.

Experts say that Chinese garlic is known for the use of pesticides and chemicals during cultivation. These substances can cause serious health risks to consumers. Chinese garlic often fails to meet the quality standards set by Indian authorities.

Although the Chinese garlic is being openly displayed and sold in the markets, neither the Food and Civil Supplies department, the State Agricultural Marketing Board, nor the district authorities have been seen taking any action in this regard. The trend of Chinese garlic being made available in the markets is a recent one, and momentum increased in the past year. Despite knowing that Chinese garlic is banned, the wholesale traders in Fancy Bazar are sourcing and selling the garlic openly to the retailers.

Some retailers said that people prefer Chinese garlic to local varieties as they can be stored for longer periods of time without deterioration. Also, the wastage in peels and damaged garlic cloves is seen more in the local varieties.

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