Varieties and Genuses

Having originated from the tropical rainforests of India, and being one of the first herbs/ spices to be exported to Indian Subcontinent, there are multiple varieties of Gingers which are native to various parts of the Indian Sub-continent. Namely Maran, Assam, Himachal, Ernad Chernad, Kuruppampadi, Wynad Local, Suprabha, Sleeva Local, Suruchi, Suravi, China, Himgiri, Varada, Mahima, Rejatha etc. There are few high yield varieties developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research like IISR- Varada, IISR Mahima, IISR Rejatha yielding 20-25 tons/ ha maturing within 200 days.

Plant Description

Ginger is a flowering plant whose rhizome are used in Indian household as a herb and spice.

• Leaf
  Common ginger has medium sized, narrow green leaves that grow in two ranks on each stem. The inflorescence grows densely on alternate stem, up to 3 inches tall.
Flowers grow in clusters of white and pink buds that bloom into yellow green flowers with purple lips and little cream blotches.
• Seeds
  Ginger seeds are tubers that need to be stored in sand pits in shade.
• Height on Maturity
  The plant grows to 4 ft height.
• Growth Span
  Ginger rhizomes take about 7-9 months to grow. It is ready for harvest in 200 to 250 days based on the variety and the climate. Matured rhizomes used for further propagation is kept in the soil.

Habitat

Ginger is cultivated in many parts of the world now, but it’s a native of Indian Rain Forests. Today India is the largest producer of ginger followed by other Southeast Asian countries. Nigeria has immerged as the second largest producer for Ginger, having similar wet and humid climates.

• ClimateIt grows well between 300-1500 mts above sea level, with moderate temperatures and adequate rainfall or irrigation.
• Soil
  Ginger grows in all kinds of well drained loose soils rich in humus like sandy, clay, red or lateritic loam. Hence a soil with a Gradual slope is preferable to drain off the water./li>

Usefulness of the plant

Ginger has aesthetic appeal so it is used as landscaping in subtropical areas. Ginger rhizome is a common spice in all Oriental Cuisines specially while cooking seafood. It’s also an integral part of traditional Indian and Chinese medication. Oils extracted from ginger help in production of ginger beer and wine. Today whole world has accepted Ginger as an alternate medicine.

• Chemicals isolated from the plant
  The main chemicals are sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds like gingerol and shogaol. Pipophilic rhizome extracts yielded active gingerols, which can be converted to paradol, shogaols and zingerone.
• References in Ayurveda
  In Ayurveda and Unani, Ginger is a remedy for colds, cough, fever, asthma, vomiting, indigestion, dizziness, hypertension, impaired vision. Ginger juice helps body get rid of toxins and excess mucus for long term health management.
• Uses in Modern Pharmacopeia
  In homeopathy, Ginger is used for Albuminuria, Asthma, Deltoid rheumatism, Diarrhoea, Dropsy, Flatulence. Ozaena. Post-nasal catarrh, control Seminal emissions, Spleen pains, Urine suppressant.
  
  Ginger has become a common health supplement for throat and respiratory ailments, and as an anti-cancer remedy.
• Side Effects of the plants
  Some people get heartburn, diarrhoea and general discomfort due to excess ginger in diet. Menstruating women have a higher blood flow due to overconsumption of ginger.

Cultivation

• Sowing Season
  Sowing season is April – May in all parts of India.
• Land Preparation
  Minimum tilled land with beds of about 15cm height, 1 m width and 50 cm spacing between beds is ideal. Maintain a gentle slope in the land towards a water body so that the water drains of and not stagnate on the roots. Land is solarized with the help of polythene sheets spread over the field under the sun for 25-30 days.
• Disease Management
  Shoot borer is a pest that affects ginger plants massively and the moths must be physically found and destroyed. Another disease affecting Ginger plantations is rhizome rot that is caused due to water stagnation. Hence maintain a gentle slope in land. To avoid diseases and pest attack soak the new rhizomes in 2% Panchagavya solution (20 ml of Panchagavya in 980 ml of water) or simply cow’s urine solution (1 part cow’s urine + 5 parts of water) for 30 minutes before sowing prevents diseases. Spraying this Cow Urine solution and Neem oil 0.5% solution, every fortnight prevents pest attacks.
• Manuring
  Ginger requires heavy manuring. Cow dung, neem cakes, mulching, compost are applied in varying proportions depending on soil and weather quality.
• Irrigation
  Irrigation must be provided at an interval of about 4-10 days. It must be ensured that stagnant water is drained regularly.
• Weed Management
  Ginger has limited weed growth and therefore needs about two weeding sessions. Plant ginger as an intercrop with other herbs to prevent growth of weeds, maintaining a thick mulch also prevents weeds from growing in the farms.
• Harvesting Season
  Harvesting season is usually in 7-10 months from sowing.
• Harvesting Methods
  Land is water to make the soil loose, then rhizomes are dug out entirely from the ground using spades or digging forks.
• Post Harvest Methods
  
  • Cleaning
    Dug out rhizomes are washed thoroughly to clean off all the dirt and soil clinging to it.
  • Drying
    Washed rhizomes are dried in the sun to ensure that they don’t rot.
  • Grading
    Grading happens based on the size, color and smell of the Rhizomes. Generally bigger and juicy rhizomes fetches better price.
  • Packaging
    Pack Rhizomes in Dried Gunny bags after drying in the sun, to be stored in Cool and Dry places.
  • Storage
    Storage of ginger for long periods is unadvisable. It needs a clean and dry environment to be stored well. Donot stack them while storing, spread it evenly on dry clean surface away from moisture. Cold Storage is always preferable to store the Fresh Rhizomes. Incase the Ginger was not sold in the same season, dry them under the sun or on a industrial dryer to drain all moisture, dried ginger also fetches very good price in domestic and international market.
• Yield Per Hectare
  The average yield of green ginger per acre is about 18-20 tonnes. Dry ginger is about 15 – 25% of green ginger yield. Certain varieties from IISR yields 20-25 tons/ hectare in about 200 days.
• Cultivation Benefits
  Almost all parts of ginger plant can be sold commercially and globally. it is a profitable business with less investment.

Commercial Products

Ginger is sold locally and in international market as green rhizomes and dried. India is the largest producer and exporter of Ginger. Juice and Oil extracted from Ginger also has great market value. Ginger farming is profitable and yield big returns both in domestic and international markets.

Ginger today is marketed and consumed worldwide in various forms. Multiple products ranging from Dried Ginger, Ginger Powders, Ginger preserved in Syrup, Ginger candies for throat ailments are also very common. Many domestic and international pharma and nutraceutical companies are creating ginger extracts and capsules for Bone, throat and lung ailments. It’s also an important ingredient added in Tea in India, China and worldwide.