First-ever open garlic market at Prichoo Mandi draws huge farmer participation
Buyers from outside valley show keen interest
Pulwama: The first-ever open garlic market established at Prichoo Fruit Mandi in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district is witnessing a steady inflow of fresh produce, with farmers from various villages arriving daily to sell their harvested garlic.
The initiative has generated optimism among growers who believe that a dedicated marketplace for garlic will help streamline marketing, attract more buyers, and ensure better returns for their produce.
Pulwama, often referred to as the garlic hub of Kashmir, contributes the largest share of garlic production in the Valley. The crop has emerged as an important source of income for hundreds of farming families across the district, particularly in villages known for large-scale cultivation.
Since the opening of the market, farmers have been transporting freshly harvested garlic to the mandi, where traders and commission agents are actively purchasing the produce. Market stakeholders said the arrival of garlic is expected to increase significantly in the coming weeks as harvesting gains momentum across the district.
Traders at the mandi said garlic prices have witnessed fluctuations in recent days, largely influenced by supply volumes and demand from different markets. However, they maintained that the prevailing rates remain satisfactory and comparatively better than those witnessed during some previous seasons.
“Prices are changing from day to day depending on arrivals and demand, but overall the rates are encouraging. Farmers are getting a reasonable return and there is strong buying interest from traders,” said a trader at the mandi.
The dedicated market has also attracted buyers from outside Kashmir, including traders from different parts of the country who are sourcing garlic directly from growers. Market officials believe this direct interaction between producers and buyers can help reduce dependence on middlemen and create a more transparent trading system.
Farmers expressed hope that the new facility would become a permanent platform for marketing garlic and other allied crops in the future.
“We have been cultivating garlic for years, but there was never a separate market where we could bring our produce for sale. This initiative has given us a proper platform and we hope it will continue in the coming years,” said Ghulam Mohammad, a farmer from Pulwama.
Another grower, Abdul Rashid, said the dedicated mandi has reduced many of the challenges faced by farmers during the marketing season.
“Earlier, we had to search for buyers and negotiate individually. Now traders are coming directly to the market, which saves time and transportation costs. If more buyers participate, farmers will definitely benefit,” he said.
Farmers, however, stressed the need for better storage facilities and organized grading mechanisms to further strengthen the garlic trade. They said modern infrastructure would help maintain quality standards and enable growers to secure better prices in national markets.
Local growers said that Pulwama’s garlic is known for its quality, flavour and shelf life, making it popular among traders. They expressed confidence that the establishment of a dedicated garlic market would enhance the crop’s commercial potential and encourage more farmers to expand cultivation.
Agriculture experts believe that strengthening market linkages and providing dedicated trading platforms can significantly improve farm incomes and reduce post-harvest losses. They said the Prichoo market could serve as a model for other agricultural commodities produced in the Valley.
With harvesting underway and arrivals expected to rise further in the coming weeks, both farmers and traders are optimistic that the first-ever open garlic market at Prichoo Fruit Mandi will mark a new chapter for Kashmir’s garlic industry and provide growers with improved access to competitive markets and better economic opportunities.
