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:
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Hardneck Garlic – Grows well in cold climates, produces scapes (flower stalks), and has a strong flavor.
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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
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Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy loam with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Avoid clay soil.
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Sunlight: Garlic needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
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Climate: Grows best in cool temperatures (12-24°C) during early growth and slightly warmer temperatures later.
3. Land Preparation
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Plowing: Till the land 2-3 times to make it loose and well-aerated.
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Add Organic Matter: Mix 10-20 tons of farmyard manure (FYM) or compost per acre.
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Bed Preparation: Raised beds (4-6 inches high) improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.
4. Planting Garlic Cloves
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Time of Planting: Best planted in October-November in North India and September-October in South and Central India.
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Spacing:
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Row-to-row: 15-20 cm
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Clove-to-clove: 8-10 cm
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Depth: 3-5 cm deep, with the pointed side facing up.
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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
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First irrigation: Right after planting.
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Subsequent irrigations: Every 7-10 days, depending on soil moisture.
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Stop irrigation 2-3 weeks before harvest to improve storage quality.
7. Weed and Pest Management
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Mulching: Use dry straw or leaves to reduce weeds and retain moisture.
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Weed Control: Perform hand weeding or use a light herbicide if needed.
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Common Pests:
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Thrips & Aphids: Control with neem oil or insecticides.
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Nematodes & White Rot: Use crop rotation and healthy seed cloves.
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8. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
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Harvesting Time: 130-150 days after planting when leaves turn yellow and dry.
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Curing: Dry the garlic in shade for 7-10 days to improve storage life.
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Storage: Store in a well-ventilated, dry place at 10-15°C.
9. Expected Yield & Market Potential
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Yield per Acre: 40-60 quintals.
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Selling Price: Varies from ₹30-₹150 per kg, depending on variety and season.
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Best Markets: Local wholesale markets, export markets, and online platforms.
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