In a recent report, a shipment of 64,000 kg worth Rs 1.35 crore was seized by the Customs Authorities.
India banned the import of Chinese garlic back in 2014 due to concerns over the high pesticide content.
According to some reports, Chinese garlic uses a fungicide known as Methyl Bromide, which is harmful to the human body.
The prices of garlic in India have doubled since November 2023, which could be a reason for increased demand for Chinese garlic being smuggled from Nepal and Bangladesh.
Currently, India is the second-largest garlic producer in the world at 1.35 million tonnes, trailing only behind China at 20 million tonnes.
How to Recognize Chinese Garlic?
Chinese garlic can be distinguished by its inflated size and whiter color, as it is bleached using harmful chemicals.
Garlic is known to have various medicinal benefits:
- Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties
- Immune System Support
- Cardiovascular Health
- Anti-inflammatory Effects
- Cancer Prevention
However, Chinese garlic, due to its high pesticide and chemical usage, is devoid of most, if not all, of these medicinal values.