A number of markets in the Giza Governorate, Egypt, have registered increases in garlic prices, which have reached 20 pounds (2.25 Euro) compared to 15 pounds last month. The low supply and their use by the pharmaceutical industry, which withdraws large volumes from the market, have been identified as the main causes for the situation, which is forcing traders to intensify their garlic imports from China.
Growers point out that garlic prices usually increase at this time of the year, especially with the approaching end of the season.
For his part, Sunni Yahya, head of the fruit and vegetables Division of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce also attributed the low supply to the climatic conditions affecting last year's crop, which led to reduced productivity.
He also said that the cultivated acreage has declined over the past year, especially after a number of growers had to give up their crops, given the lower prices registered last year.
He stressed that garlic cultivation is expensive, especially because of the costs of the pesticides and fertilisers needed. The climate also plays an important role in the quality of crops, and last year's cold temperatures had a notable impact.
He also stated that garlic imports have increased by up to 50%, especially from China.
Source: masralarabia.com
