Rajasthan: Size, not life matters in procurement of garlic

It’s a difference of just 10mm. But, it is enough to wreck the lives of farmers cultivating garlic in Rajasthan. Thousands of garlic producers in Hadauti region are finding themselves at the receiving end of a central government rule, which prescribes a size of garlic bulbs that is different from the ones farmed in the state.

The average size of garlic bulbs produced in the region is about 15mm. However, as per the norms set up by the ministry of agriculture, the size needed for the produce being purchased by the government is 25mm.

This is resulting in rejection of the produce by a large number of cultivators from Rajasthan whose crop size is falling short of the prescribed dimension. As a result, their samples are not getting passed because of the “small size” of their produce.

The ministry of agriculture prepares the guidelines for the purchase of various crops after suggestions from the states. Thereafter, the specifications related to purchase of crops is taken which is same across the country.

Rajfed has got into action and has approached the union government for relief in the conditions for procurement of garlic crop.

“We have written to the union government to change the guidelines and offer relaxation in size of the garlic bulbs,” said Veena Pradhan, managing director of Rajfed speaking to dna.

The cultivators are a worried lot. Because of a bumper crop, the prevailing market rate is between Rs5 per kg and Rs8 per kg while the government has decided to purchase the produce at Rs 32.57 per kg.

Many A Slip...

• The average size of garlic bulbs produced in the region is about 15mm, while procurement is for 25mm garlic bulbs 
• Rajfed has sought relief in norms of the union government
• Because of a bumper crop, the market rate is between Rs5-Rs8 per kg while govt is purchasing at Rs32.57 per kg