Ginger Cultivation Farming Process

1. Land Preparation
While preparing the land, minimum tillage operations may be
adopted. Solarization is a technique by which moist beds in the field, are
completely covered with polyethylene sheets and exposed to the sun for a
period of 20-30 days. This is beneficial.

2. Plantation
While planting, seed rhizomes mixed with well-rotted cattle manure or
compost mixed with Trichoderma ( 10 g of compost inoculated with
Trichoderma) may be put in shallow pits and covered with a thin layer of soil
and leveled.

3. Irrigation
Ginger is cultivated as the rainfed crop in high rainfall areas and irrigated
crop in fewer rainfall areas where distribution is not uniform. Arrange the
right irrigation facility for your farm. You will need to provide a proper
drainage channel inter-rows to drain off the stagnant water. Irrigation is
given at varying intervals of 4 – 10 days as and when required.

4. Fertilization
Ginger requires heavy manuring. Application of well rotten cow dung or
compost @ 2.5 to 3 tonnes/acre may be made as a basal dose while planting
the rhizomes in the pits. You can also apply neem cake.

Plant Protection System For Ginger Cultivation

The major two issues are pest management and disease management. Shoot
borer is the major pest infesting ginger. Regular field surveillance and
adoption of phytosanitary measures are necessary for pest management.

Soft rot or rhizome rot is a major disease of ginger. While selecting the area
for ginger cultivation care should be taken to see that the area is well-
drained as water stagnation predisposes the plants to infection. Select seed
rhizomes from disease-free areas since this disease is seed-borne.

Harvesting, Curing & Storage For Ginger Cultivation

Ginger attains full maturity in 210-240 days after planting. Harvesting of
ginger for vegetable purposes starts after 180 days based on the demand.
The average yield of green ginger is estimated at about 6 to 10 tons per
acre. The recovery of dry ginger varies from 16 – 25%.
 Fully dried rhizomes can be stored in airtight containers such as high-density
polyethylene or similar packaging materials. For export, ginger packaging is
normally done in polythene laminated gunny bags.

Ginger Cultivation Market Opportunity

Apart from the domestic market, ginger has the good export potential also.
APEDA has already sanctioned Agri Export Zones for fresh ginger in Assam,
Orissa, and Sikkim, for enhancing exports.
Indian Spices Board established under the Ministry of Commerce provides
further support for the expansion of area under spices and enhancing
exports. Board has also programs to encourage the production of organic
ginger in the North Eastern States.

In the case of organic ginger, a certificate indicating material produce is

based on organic farming is required for export. Commercial ginger
cultivation is a technically feasible and financially viable project even for
small farm owners.

Things To Consider In Ginger Cultivation

Finally, to summarize, find below a checklist while starting ginger cultivation:

o The climate is an important factor in ginger cultivation.

o You must have the right soil for ginger cultivation. Otherwise, you must do
some treatments.
o Among several varieties, you must choose the right one.
o Proper land preparation and manuring are important
o You will need to arrange a proper irrigation facility.
o Proper plant protection methods need to be followed.
o If you really want to make a substantial profit from ginger farming, craft a
financial plan carefully.
o Calculate the expected ROI.
Commercial ginger cultivation and organic ginger farming, both are very
profitable farming businesses. However, to get a substantial profit you must
adopt the right technology. Successful ginger cultivation demands essential
consideration in several aspects. Here we have listed, some of the basics.