Chinese garlic in India: Authorities in India are on high alert after a significant amount of smuggled Chinese garlic was discovered in the country. Customs officials have increased surveillance at land customs posts, deploying sniffer dogs and informing local intelligence to prevent smuggling through neighboring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh.
A customs official revealed a rise in smuggling cases, particularly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and the Northeast, where garlic is illegally brought in via Nepal. A ban on Chinese garlic imports has been imposed since 2014. This was due to concerns about fungus infested garlic entering the country. According to an ET report, there are also concerns that the smuggled garlic is also high on pesticides.
Recent seizures include a massive 64,000 kg shipment worth Rs 1.35 crore at Sikta land customs post.
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Both India and China are major producers of garlic. India has seen an increase in demand for its garlic post-Covid-19, especially from countries like the US, West Asia, Brazil, and Asia.
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Read MoreThe TOI Business Desk is a vigilant and dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant business news from around the world to readers of The Times of India. The primary focus of the TOI Business Desk is to keep a watchful eye on the global business landscape, covering a wide spectrum of industries, markets, economic trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact businesses and economies. With a mission to provide valuable insights and updates, the desk ensures that TOI readers are well-informed about the ever-changing and dynamic world of commerce and can navigate the complexities of the business world.
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