Garlic

 Growing garlic can be a profitable and relatively low-maintenance farming venture. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start a garlic farm:

1. Choosing the Right Garlic Variety

Garlic comes in two main types:

  • Hardneck Garlic – Grows well in cold climates, produces scapes (flower stalks), and has a strong flavor.

  • Softneck Garlic – Grows better in warm climates, stores longer, and is commonly found in markets.

For India, softneck varieties like Agrifound Parvati and Yamuna Safed-3 are suitable for warm regions, while hardneck varieties like Agrifound White-1 grow well in cooler areas.


2. Selecting a Suitable Location

  • Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy loam with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Avoid clay soil.

  • Sunlight: Garlic needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

  • Climate: Grows best in cool temperatures (12-24°C) during early growth and slightly warmer temperatures later.


3. Land Preparation

  • Plowing: Till the land 2-3 times to make it loose and well-aerated.

  • Add Organic Matter: Mix 10-20 tons of farmyard manure (FYM) or compost per acre.

  • Bed Preparation: Raised beds (4-6 inches high) improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.


4. Planting Garlic Cloves

  • Time of Planting: Best planted in October-November in North India and September-October in South and Central India.

  • Spacing:

    • Row-to-row: 15-20 cm

    • Clove-to-clove: 8-10 cm

    • Depth: 3-5 cm deep, with the pointed side facing up.


5. Fertilizer Management

Fertilizer Quantity per Acre Application Time
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 10-20 tons Before planting
Nitrogen (N) 50-60 kg Split doses: 1st at planting, 2nd after 30-40 days
Phosphorus (P) 30-40 kg At the time of planting
Potassium (K) 30-40 kg At the time of planting

Tip: Apply neem cake or Trichoderma to prevent soil-borne diseases.


6. Irrigation Schedule

  • First irrigation: Right after planting.

  • Subsequent irrigations: Every 7-10 days, depending on soil moisture.

  • Stop irrigation 2-3 weeks before harvest to improve storage quality.


7. Weed and Pest Management

  • Mulching: Use dry straw or leaves to reduce weeds and retain moisture.

  • Weed Control: Perform hand weeding or use a light herbicide if needed.

  • Common Pests:

    • Thrips & Aphids: Control with neem oil or insecticides.

    • Nematodes & White Rot: Use crop rotation and healthy seed cloves.


8. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling

  • Harvesting Time: 130-150 days after planting when leaves turn yellow and dry.

  • Curing: Dry the garlic in shade for 7-10 days to improve storage life.

  • Storage: Store in a well-ventilated, dry place at 10-15°C.


9. Expected Yield & Market Potential

  • Yield per Acre: 40-60 quintals.

  • Selling Price: Varies from ₹30-₹150 per kg, depending on variety and season.

  • Best Markets: Local wholesale markets, export markets, and online platforms.

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