Ginger (Zingiber officinalis), one of the oldest and most widely used spices, is known for its distinctive aroma and pungency. Originally cultivated in Southeast Asia, ginger has been a staple in Indian and Chinese agriculture for centuries. Today, ginger is used globally for culinary, medicinal, and pharmaceutical purposes, including in food preparations, beverages, and perfumes. Its role as a carminative and stimulant also makes it highly valued in the health and wellness sector. To achieve optimal yields, following the best package of practices (POP) is crucial for healthy ginger cultivation.
Ginger Crop Overview
Botanical Name: Zingiber officinalis
Common Names: Ginger (English), Adrak (Hindi), Shunti (Kannada)
Crop Season: Rabi (March–April)
Crop Type: Spice crop
Production: 6–10 tons/acre
Varieties: High-yielding varieties include Maran, Karakkal, Rio de Janeiro, and Mahim. Varieties such as Emad Chemed, China, and Rio de Janeiro contain high oleoresin.
Soil Requirements for Ginger Cultivation
The ideal soil for ginger farming is deep, well-drained loamy soil rich in humus. Soils with high alkalinity are detrimental to ginger crops. Continuous planting in the same field year after year is not advisable due to the risk of disease buildup. Preparing the soil begins during summer (March–April) with two plowings at a depth of 15–22 cm. Following this, Norwegian harrows crush the exposed clods, and 3–4 crosswise harrowings are performed to loosen the soil. To prevent erosion on slopes, temporary ridges are formed, and 15 tons of FYM per hectare are applied before the final harrowing.
Climate Requirements for Ginger
Ginger thrives in warm, humid tropical climates. Ideal conditions include 125–250 cm of annual precipitation and altitudes up to 1500 meters. For rhizome development, a cool and dry climate is optimal, while the plant needs shaded conditions with abundant moisture for healthy growth.
Land & Sowing Preparations for Ginger
In rainfed areas, ginger is cultivated on raised beds that are 1 m wide, 3–6 m long, and 15 cm tall, with a 30 cm gap between beds for drainage channels. On irrigated land, ridges spaced 40–45 cm apart are used. Small trenches in ridges, spaced 22–30 cm apart, are prepared for sowing.
Propagation and Seed Preparation
Ginger is propagated using rhizome setts. Healthy mother rhizomes weighing 20–25 g, with two to three eye buds, are selected for planting. Before sowing, setts are treated with Dithane M-45 (3 gm/lit of water) for 30 minutes to prevent disease.
Seed Rate & Spacing for Ginger Cultivation
A seed rate of 1500 kg/ha is recommended for ginger. Rhizomes free of pests and diseases, particularly rhizome rot, are chosen. Each sett should weigh 20–25 g and have 2.5–5 cm length. Rhizomes are planted with a spacing of 40 x 20 cm on ridges and furrows.
Time of Sowing Ginger
Ginger planting typically begins from the first week of May and continues until mid-June, with the second fortnight of May being the ideal sowing time. The seed rate remains consistent at 1500 kg/ha.
Preparation of Seed Material
One and a half months before planting, rhizomes are treated with a solution of 25% agallol and Monocrotophos to control rhizome flies. The rhizomes are then stored in shaded trenches, covered with dry leaves or straw to minimize moisture loss, which can reduce weight by 30–35%.
Method of Sowing Ginger
For irrigated crops, a 75 cm distance is maintained between ridges, with a 30 x 30 cm spacing in raised beds. Broad ridge methods, with ridges 75 cm wide and 30 cm apart, improve yields. Planting is done in “Wapsa” conditions, with rhizomes inserted 5 cm deep and eye buds facing upwards.
Irrigation Requirements for Ginger
Ginger requires light irrigation immediately after planting, followed by irrigation every 10 days. A total of 16–18 irrigations are needed for the entire crop cycle, with water usage totaling 90–100 cm per hectare.
Usage of Manures & Fertilizers in Ginger Cultivation
| Sl.. No. | Time of application | FYM | N (Kg/ha) | P2O5 (Kg.ha) | K2O (Kg/ha) |
| 1 | Preparatory tillage | 15 | – | – | – |
| 2 | At planting | 15 | 60 | 50 | 50 |
| 3 | 45 days after planting | – | 50 | – | – |
| 4 | 120 days after planting | – | 40 | – | – |
| Total | 30 | 150 | 50 | 50 |
The application of organic manures, along with balanced NPK fertilizers, plays a crucial role in promoting healthy rhizome development.
Inter-Cultivation Practices for Ginger
Weeding: Hand weeding is essential during the first 4–6 weeks of crop growth. About 3–4 weedings are required to enhance crop yield.
Mulching: Mulching is crucial in rainfed ginger farms to control weeds, prevent evaporation, and protect rhizomes from heavy rains and sun scorching.
Shading: Seeds of cluster bean, pigeon pea, or castor are planted along the edges of raised beds for shade.
Earthing up: Earthing up helps break fibrous roots and promotes new growth, improving rhizome development.
Plant Protection for Ginger
Bacterial Wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum): This devastating disease causes leaf margins to turn brown and curl. Management includes treating seeds with 20g streptomycin before planting and soil drenching with 0.2% copper oxychloride.
Dry Rot (Fusarium and Pratylenchus complex): Dry rot appears in patches, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Treat rhizomes with Bordeaux mixture and apply mustard oil cake to control nematodes.
Pest Management in Ginger
Shoot Borer (Conogethes punctiferalis): Shoot borers can be controlled by spraying nimbecidine or Beauveria bassiana. Regular pruning and malathion sprays help reduce infestations.
White Grub (Holotrichia spp): Adult beetles are collected and destroyed. Neem cake application in endemic areas helps control grub populations.
Harvesting and Yield of Ginger
Harvesting is done 8–10 months after planting when leaves turn yellow. Proper handling minimizes injury and post-harvest losses. An average yield of 20 t/ha is expected with good management practices.
Post-Harvest Management for Ginger
For dry ginger, the outer skin is peeled and sun-dried for a week. Fresh rhizomes are treated with Carbendazim and Mancozeb before storage to prevent rot. Dried rhizomes are stored in ventilated pits lined with sand for optimal preservation.
