GINGER PACKAGE OF PRACTICES

Introduction:

Ginger (Zingiber offinalis) is an important spice crop of India and accounts for 45 % of the worlds ginger production. Ginger is the main cash crop for farmers of the region. The crop is so important that many farmers are solely dependant on ginger. It is used as a spice on a large scale and in the preparation of pickles, beverages, medicines and confectionaries, but in the northeastern region it is used mainly for fresh consumption.

soil

• A friable loam rich in humus is ideal. However, being an exhausting crop it is not desirable to grow ginger in the same soil year after year.

Land preparation:

Plow the field twice then harrow to pulverize the soil. Incorporate fully decomposed FYM at 3-5 t/ha. 

For raising rainfed crop, land is divided into raised beds of 1 m width and of convenient length varying from 3 - 6 m and 15 cm height with spacing of 30 cm between beds for drainage channel. On hill slopes, the beds are formed along the contours.

Seed rate: 1200 – 1500 kg rhizomes free from pests and diseases are selected for planting 1 ha area.

Time of planting:

Ginger can be planted from start of April to May in the region. But the best time is the middle of April when there is sufficient moisture in the soil.

Method of planting: 

Ginger is propagated from small rhizomes known as bits. Bits of 4- 5 cm long weighing 25 – 30 gm are separated from the mother rhizomes for planting. Spacing of 30 cm X 25 cm is considered ideal for ginger. Rhizomes are planted at a depth of 4-5 cm in furrows and covered with soil.

Seed treatment: 

Seed treatment induces early germination and prevents seed borne pathogens and pests. Before sowing, seed rhizome should be dipped in cow urine for half an hour. Seed rhizomes are also treated with Dithane M-45@ g/litre of water.

Manures and fertilizers: 

Ginger is an exhaustive crop and requires heavy manuring for obtaining better yield and quality. At the time of field preparation, 3-5 tonnes of FYM per ha is incorporated in the soil.NPK @ 100:90:90 kg/ha should be applied in the form of chemical fertilizers. 1/3 nitrogen and full doses of phosphorus and potassium is applied at the time of planting. 1/3 quantity of nitrogen is applied 45 days after planting and remaining of 1/3 nitrogen is applied 90-95 days after planting.

Intercultural operations 

Mulching: Locally available material like green leaves, tree leaves, dry grasses and paddy straw may be used to prevent weed growth, for protection from sun, preventing evaporation losses, to maintain soil temperature for protection from heavy rains and for consequent enhancement of organic matter.

Weeding: The plot is kept clean by hand weeding during first 4 - 6 weeks. Depending upon intensity of weeds, 3-4 weeding are given to have better yield.

Earthing -up: 

The soil around the plants is worked with the help of khurpi to break the fibrous roots and thereby supports new growth. The soil near the rhizomes becomes loose and friable and helps in proper development of rhizomes. Atleast two earthing up is required for better growth and development of rhizomes.

Water Management

To obtain good yields in ginger 1320 to 1520mm rainfall is required. Planted in April-May, depending on the moisture of the soil by watering 2-4 times a week for the time required. In the absence of rain, watering should be done at intervals of 15 days. Seed tuber germination time in ginger and tubers produced time moment essentially require watering times.

Plant Protection

Cutworms, scale insects, and aphids are common ginger pests, but they do not cause significant yield losses. Leaf spot, rhizome rot, and bacterial wilt are some of the major diseases. Ginger is tolerant to leafspot.

Rhizome rot/soft rot: 

• The leaves of the affected plants become yellow. Water soaked appearance found at the base of pseudostem and rotting takes place at the basal portion. 
• The affected rhizomes become soft pulpy and plant easily collapse on pressing. Rhizome rot can be prevented by strict sanitation and use of Trichoderma as part of organic fertilization. 
• Drenching soil with Dithane Z-78 @ 2g/l of water at 30 days interval is effective for control of disease.

Shoot borer: 

• The larvae bore into shoots and feed on the internal tissues resulting in yellowing and drying of infested shoots. 
• The presence of bore holes on the shoots through which frass is extruded and the withered central shoot is a characteristics symptom of the pest infestation. 
• Pruning of freshly infested shoots at fortnightly intervals during July – August and spraying Malathion (0.1%) at monthly intervals is effective in controlling the pest infestation.
• For effective control of Caterpillar we can use bio pesticide like “LARVEX 250 ml / acre.

Harvesting and yield 

Harvest ginger when the leaves turn yellow and wither. This is about 8-10 months after planting, depending on the variety used. Care should be practiced during harvesting to minimize injury that results to faster weight loss and susceptibility to decay.

 A properly managed crop gives an average yield of 20 t/ha.