Root to Spice: Ginger Cultivation in India

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a herbaceous perennial often cultivated as an annual primarily for its rhizomes. Esteemed as a valuable cash crop, ginger is utilized extensively in culinary, beverage, confectionery, and medicinal applications. It is available in various forms including raw ginger, dried ginger, ginger powder, ginger oil, ginger oleoresin, ginger ale, ginger candy, ginger beer, brined ginger, ginger wine, ginger squash, and ginger flakes. While ginger is also grown in countries like Jamaica, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Brazil, China, Japan, and Indonesia, India remains the leading producer of dry ginger. Ginger cultivation spans nearly all Indian states, with Kerala, West Bengal, and the Northeastern region being the primary growing areas. Annually, around 300,000 tons of ginger are produced from approximately 47,641 hectares of land, with the Northeast emerging as a significant hub for organic ginger plant. This region is recognized globally for its high ginger productivity and superior quality, characterized by lower fiber content. Ginger from these states is noted for its elevated oil and oleoresin content compared to other regions. India also leads the global market as the largest exporter of dry ginger.

Ginger Crop at a Glance

Popularly Known as: In India, ginger is commonly referred to as “Adrak” in Hindi and “Shunti” in Kannada, making it an integral part of various regional cuisines.

Crop Season: Ginger is predominantly cultivated during the Rabi season, which spans from March to April, taking advantage of the cooler weather for optimal growth.

Crop Type: As a spice crop, ginger is valued for its aromatic rhizomes, which are utilized in cooking, medicine, and beverages.

Production: The production of ginger typically ranges from 6 to 10 tons per acre, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Varieties: Maran, Karakkal, Rio de Janeiro, Mahim are high-yielding varieties. Emad Chemed, China, Karuppamadi, Rio de Janeiro are high in oleoresin content.
Among ginger varieties, Maran and Karakkal are known for their high yield, while Emad Chemed and Karuppamadi are recognized for their elevated oleoresin content, enhancing their commercial value.

Climate and Soil Requirements 

Ginger grows in warm, humid climates and can be cultivated from sea level up to 1500 meters above sea level. It grows well under both rain-fed and irrigated conditions. Successful cultivation requires moderate rainfall during sowing until the rhizomes sprout, ample and evenly distributed rainfall throughout the growing season, and a dry period for about a month before harvest. The crop prefers well-drained soils, such as sandy loam, clay loam, red loam, or lateritic loam. Ideally, ginger should be grown in friable loam rich in organic matter. Due to its depleting effect on the soil, it is advisable not to plant ginger in the same soil continuously.

Land Preparation 

To prepare the land, it should be ploughed 4-5 times or thoroughly dug after the initial summer rains to achieve medium tilth. Create beds that are 1 meter wide, 15 cm high, and of manageable length, with a spacing of 30-50 cm between them. For areas susceptible to rhizome rot and nematode issues, it is advisable to solarize the beds for 40 days using transparent polyethylene sheets. In regions with high rainfall or valley areas, ensure proper drainage channels are installed between the rows to effectively manage and remove stagnant water.

Rhizome Selection

For planting, it is essential to use seed rhizomes that are carefully preserved, free from pests and diseases, and sourced from organically cultivated farms. If organically produced seeds are unavailable, starting with seed material from high-yielding local varieties is a suitable alternative. Prior to planting, seed rhizomes should be exposed to sunlight for 20-30 days to prepare them for the process.

Ginger varieties cultivated in different states

Here’s a table presenting various ginger varieties cultivated in different ginger producing states in India.

State	Ginger Varieties
Madhya Pradesh	Ing Makhir, Nadia
Karnataka	Karakkal, Suprabha, Wayanad
Tamil Nadu	Rio-de-Janeiro, Maran, Nadia
Andhra Pradesh	Narsipatnam, Siddipet, Tuni
Kerala	Wynad local, Ernad, Kuruppamadi, Thoduphuza
Maharashtra	Mahima, Suprabha

Seed Rate

For optimal ginger cultivation, use a seed rate of 1500 kg/ha of mother rhizomes. Select rhizomes that are healthy and free from pests and diseases, such as rhizome rot and leaf spots. Cut sprouted rhizomes into pieces, ensuring each piece contains two to three eye buds. Each sett should weigh between 20 and 25 grams and measure 2.5 to 5 cm in length. 

Seed Treatment 

Before starting ginger cultivation, it’s essential to treat the ginger rhizomes properly. Soak the rhizomes in a solution of carbendazim 50% WP, using 2.5 grams per liter of water, for 15 minutes. After soaking, allow the rhizomes to dry in the shade for 3 to 4 hours before planting. Alternatively, you can treat the rhizomes with Pseudomonas fluorescens or Trichoderma viride at 5 grams per liter water, and then proceed with planting.

Spacing and Planting

For irrigated crops, maintain a 75 cm distance between ridges and furrows, or use a 30 x 30 cm spacing for raised beds. The broad ridge method, a newer technique, involves creating ridges that are 75 cm wide, 20–30 cm high, and 30 cm apart. Planting should be done under “Wapsa” conditions following pre-sowing irrigation. Place the eye buds in the farm with the tip facing up and insert the rhizomes 5 cm deep.

Ginger Transplanting 

Ginger transplanting, while not traditional, has proven to be cost-effective and profitable. This method involves using single bud sprouts (around 5 g) to produce high-quality planting material at a lower cost. The process begins with raising these sprouts in pro-trays for 30 to 40 days before planting them in the field. The advantages include producing healthier plants and reducing the amount of seed rhizomes needed.

Steps of Ginger Transplanting

1. Selection and Treatment: Choose healthy ginger rhizomes for seeds. Treat them with a Mancozeb 3 gm and Quinalphos 2 ml per liter water solution for 30 minutes, then store them in a well ventilated area.
2. Preparation: One month before planting, cut the rhizomes into single buds, each with a small piece of rhizome weighing 4-6 g. Treat these buds with a 0.3% mancozeb solution for 30 minutes before planting.
3. Nursery Setup: Fill 98 cell pro-trays with a mix of partially decomposed coir pith and vermicompost (75:25), enriched with 10 g/kg of PGPR or Trichoderma.
4. Planting and Maintenance: Plant the single bud sprouts in the pro-trays. Keep the trays in a shaded net house and water them as needed, either with a rose can or sprinklers. The seedlings will be ready for field transplanting in 30 to 40 days.
5. FYM (Farm Yard Manure): A total of 10 tons per acre of FYM is applied throughout the crop cycle. This organic input improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.

6. Nitrogen (N): A total of 60 kg/acre of nitrogen is applied in split doses:

7. 25 kg/ha at planting to support initial growth and tillering.20 kg/ha at 45 days after planting to boost rhizome development.15 kg/ha at 120 days after planting to enhance rhizome filling and maturity.
8. Phosphorus (P2O5): A total of 40 kg/acre of phosphorus is applied at planting to promote root development and early growth.
9. Potassium (K2O): A total of 40 kg/acre of potassium is applied at planting to support rhizome formation and disease resistance.

Irrigation

Ginger is grown as a rain-fed crop in areas with high, evenly distributed rainfall over 5 to 7 months. In regions with irregular rainfall, it is irrigated. The crop needs 1300-1500 mm of water throughout its growth cycle. Critical growth stage for irrigation include during germination, at rhizome initiation (around 90 days after planting), and during rhizome development (around 135 days after planting). Begin irrigation right after planting, and then continue every 7 to 10 days based on weather and soil conditions. For improved water efficiency and higher yields, sprinklers and drip irrigation systems can also be used.

Intercultural Operations

For ginger cultivation, here are the key intercultural practices to follow:

Earthing Up: Earthing up is done to promote better root growth. Perform the first earthing up 50-60 days after planting, and the second one 40 days later.

Weeding: Three days after planting, spray Atrazine at 4-5 gm/liter on moist soil. During the first 4 to 6 weeks, keep the plot clean with hand weeding. Depending on weed intensity, perform 3 to 4 additional weedings to ensure a better yield.

Pest and Disease Management 

Effective control of pests and diseases in ginger depends on the type and severity of the issue, as well as whether organic or chemical methods are preferred. Here are some recommended treatments:

• Shoot and Fruit Borer: Apply Lambda cyhalothrin 1 ml or Coragen insecticide 0.4 ml per liter water. Use carbofuron as well.
• Rhizome Scale: Soak rhizomes in a 0.1% Quinalphos solution before storage and planting.
• Scale Insects: Use a Dimethoate 150 ml mixed with 250 ml of kerosene in 100 liters of water. 
• Rhizome Rot: For prevention, dip rhizomes in M-45 solution before storage and planting. If infection occurs, drench with M-45 solution.
• Fungal Diseases: Remove affected leaves and spray with a mixture of Neem Oil 1.5 ml or saaf fungicide 2 gm or Blue copper 2.5 gm per acre per liter of water.
• Leaf Blight: Remove yellowing leaves to maintain plant appearance, though it may not significantly impact plant vigor.
• Gummosis: Scrape off affected areas and apply Bordeaux mixture or Copper Oxychloride 2.5 gm per liter water.
• Anthracnose: Prune dried twigs and apply two sprays of Carbendazim (1 gram/liter) or Copper Oxychloride (3 grams/liter) every two weeks. Regular weekly sprays with Zineb or Mancozeb 2 gm per liter water can also be effective.

Harvesting and Yield

Harvest ginger when the leaves turn yellow and start to wither, usually 8-10 months after planting, depending on the variety. This ginger harvest time ensures optimal quality. Handle the ginger carefully during harvesting ginger to avoid injuries that can lead to weight loss and increased risk of decay. With proper management, the average ginger yield per acre is around 6 – 10 tons.

Post-Harvest

For dry ginger, peel off only the outer skin and dry the rhizomes in the sun for about a week. The yield of dry ginger is typically 16-25% of the green ginger.

Storage

Select fresh, disease-free rhizomes and treat them with a solution of Carbendazim and Mancozeb (40 grams per 10 liters of water) for 30 minutes to prevent rotting. After treatment, dry the rhizomes in the shade. Store the dried rhizomes in a pit of suitable size, covered with planks that have 2-3 holes for ventilation. Before storing, spread a 1-inch thick layer of sand at the bottom of the pit.

Conclusion 

• A versatile herb grown primarily for its rhizomes, ginger is a valuable cash crop with diverse uses in culinary, beverage, and medicinal fields.
• Effective ginger cultivation, or “adrak ki kheti,” involves proper land preparation, seed selection, and maintenance practices to ensure high-quality and high-yield production.
• Successful management of a ginger farm requires attention to planting conditions, irrigation, and pest control to maximize productivity and quality.
• Knowing how to grow ginger involves selecting healthy rhizomes, proper planting techniques, and careful maintenance throughout the growing season.
• With optimal conditions and management, ginger yield per acre can range from 6 to 10 tons, depending on the variety and practices used.
• The ginger crop benefits from a well-planned cultivation strategy that includes appropriate spacing, irrigation, and pest management.
• Harvesting ginger at the right harvest time when leaves yellow and wither ensures quality and reduces the risk of decay.
• Proper harvesting ginger involves careful handling to prevent damage and maintain quality, leading to better yields and market value.

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