Garlic Vegetable or Spice: Madhya Pradesh High Court
Garlic, used in kitchens across India, recently became the centre of a legal dispute in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The court was asked to resolve a contentious issue: Should garlic be classified as a vegetable or a spice?
This classification has a significant impact on where and how garlic can be sold in the state markets, which directly affects the livelihood of farmers and commission agents.
Judgment of the High Court regarding the classification of garlic:
Background of the case:
The case dates back to 2015 when the Madhya Pradesh Mandi Board classified garlic as a vegetable on the request of farmers. This decision was challenged by the Department of Agriculture, which reclassified garlic as a spice under the Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act of 1972.
The Potato, Onion, Garlic Commission Agents Association challenged the decision of the Agriculture Department in 2016. The single judge finally ruled in their favour in February 2017.
The decision was opposed by traders, who argued that it would benefit commission agents rather than farmers. A review petition was filed in July 2017, which led to the present two-judge bench pronouncing the verdict.
Madhya Pradesh High Court Judgment:
The Court upheld the 2017 order which said that garlic is a perishable substance and should be kept in the category of vegetable.
The court’s decision has allowed garlic to be sold in both vegetable and spice markets, which will bring flexibility in trade and potentially better prices for farmers.
Implications:
Farmers can now sell garlic in both vegetable and spice markets, thereby increasing their price opportunity.
Commissions can bid for garlic in agent vegetable markets, which will increase competition and benefit farmers and traders.
Garlic is currently at its highest ever price and this decision is expected to increase its market value even further.
Main facts about garlic:
In botany, garlic (Allium sativum) is considered a vegetable because it has a knot / tuber, long stem and long leaves.
The distinctive smell of garlic and onions is due to the presence of sulfur-containing chemicals.
Garlic grows well in well-drained, fertile loamy soil with a pH range of 6-8. Soils rich in organic matter are desirable because of their low risk of crusting and compaction in addition to their moisture and nutrient holding capacity. Hard soil can cause deformation of the knot / tuber, while poorly drained soil can cause discoloration of the knot.
Garlic grows at an altitude of 1200-2000 meters above sea level. Cool, moist climates are required during growth and warm, dry climates during maturity.
Production:
Due to supply chain issues in China, India has become the second largest garlic exporter in the world with record high exports in 2023.
Indian garlic flakes have become more popular in West Asian countries. The United States, Malaysia, Brazil, Germany and the United Kingdom are India’s main garlic export markets.
Geographical Indication:
Riawan Garlic, a GI-tagged garlic of Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its high yield, pungent and strong taste and higher oil content compared to other varieties.
Kodaikanal malai poondu (hill garlic) is a GI-tagged garlic of Tamil Nadu, known for its medicinal and preservative properties due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial ability, due to the presence of higher amounts of organosulfur compounds, phenols and flavonoids than the garlic varieties.
Kanthalloor Vattavada Veluthuli, the GI-tagged garlic of Kerala, is famous for its pungent aroma and taste. Grown in the highlands of Kanthallur and Vattavada, this tiny garlic is famous for its medicinal properties and culinary uses.
