Dr. Rajendra Kuksal
(Senior Agriculture and Horticulture Expert)
In the hilly rainfed regions of the state, ginger cultivation is popular as a cash and commercial crop. This article provides information on suitable climate, soil, sowing methods, pest-disease management, and yield for successful ginger farming.
Climate Suitable for Ginger Cultivation
Ginger requires a warm and humid climate. Regions up to 1500 meters above sea level with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30°C are ideal. Areas with light shade, such as intercropping in orchards, help in healthier growth and better yields.
Key Points:
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Warm and humid climate
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Altitude up to 1500 meters
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Temperature: 25–30°C
Soil Suitable for Ginger Cultivation
For successful ginger farming, well-drained, organic-rich sandy loam or medium loam soil is best.
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Soil pH: 5.0 to 6.5
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Organic carbon: More than 1%
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If organic carbon is low, mix 10 kg per nali of forest topsoil and compost.
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Avoid highly acidic or alkaline soils.
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For acidic soils (pH below 6.5), add 100g lime per square meter.
Field Preparation
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Plow the soil 2–3 times to make it friable.
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During the final plowing, mix 4–5 quintals of farmyard manure per nali.
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Divide the field into small beds and prepare ridges of 2 to 2.5 meters in length.
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Sow the ginger seed rhizomes on the ridges.
Recommended Varieties of Ginger
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Suprabha, Himgiri, Rio de Janeiro, Maran
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Choose traditional varieties that are disease-resistant, high-yielding, and suitable for local climate and soil.
Sowing Time and Seed Quantity
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Best time: Mid-April to May (April is ideal)
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Seed rate: 30–40 kg per nali
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Seed rhizome selection: 20–30g in weight, disease-free, with 1–2 buds
Seed Treatment
Chemical Treatment:
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Soak in solution of 2g Carbendazim, 3g Copper Oxychloride, or 2.5g Mancozeb per liter of water for 20–30 minutes.
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Dry in shade before sowing.
Organic Treatment:
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Moisten rhizomes slightly.
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Treat with Trichoderma (8–10g per kg of seed).
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Dry in shade before sowing.
Note: Soil moisture is essential at sowing time.
Soil Treatment
To prevent fungal diseases:
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Mix 1 kg Trichoderma powder with 25 kg compost.
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Cover with a wet sack and keep in shade for a week.
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Mix this with the field soil in 1 acre (20 nali).
Sowing Method
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Maintain row spacing of 30–40 cm on the ridges.
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Keep rhizome spacing of 15–20 cm.
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Sow at a depth of 5–8 cm.
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Plant maize in every third row for shade.
Mulching
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After sowing, apply a 5–7 cm thick mulch (dry leaves, grass, or straw).
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Helps retain moisture, regulate temperature, and control weeds.
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Apply a second mulch layer after 40 days if needed.
Fertilizer and Irrigation Management
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Fertilizer: Apply 10 liters of Jeevamrit per nali every 20–30 days.
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Irrigation: In rainfed areas, rely on rainfall. Provide 2–3 irrigations during dry spells.
Weed Control
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First weeding after 1 month of sowing.
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Perform earthing up and hoeing as needed.
Major Pests and Their Control
Pests: White Grub, Rhizome Borer
Control Measures:
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Destroy eggs, larvae, and adults.
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Use light traps at night.
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Install pheromone traps.
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Spray 5–6% cow urine solution.
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Spray Beauveria bassiana (5g/liter water).
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Use Neem-based pesticides (Nimbicidine, Eco Neem) at 5 ml/liter water.
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Chemical treatment: Imidacloprid or Chlorpyrifos (1 ml/liter water) – 3 sprays at 3-day intervals.
Major Diseases and Prevention
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Rhizome Rot (Soft Rot)
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Cause: Pythium fungus
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Symptoms: Yellowing and drying of plant, rhizome rot.
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Yellow Disease of Ginger
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Cause: Fusarium fungus
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Symptoms: Yellowing and drying of leaves, plant wilting.
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Prevention:
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Select well-drained land.
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Treat seed with Trichoderma.
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Practice crop rotation.
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Spray Trichoderma solution (5g/liter water) every 5–6 days.
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Chemical treatment: Use Carbendazim (0.1%), Mancozeb (0.3%), or Copper Oxychloride (0.3%).
Harvesting and Yield
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Harvest time: 8–9 months (when leaves turn yellow)
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Yield: 1.5–2 quintals per nali
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Use disease-free fields for seed rhizome selection.
Contact
Mobile: 9456590999
