Introduction to Ginger
Ginger is one of excellent spice crops cultivated in Asia and India accounts for 40 % of the world’s ginger production. Ginger root has high demand in national and international markets due to its excellent uses and benefits. Farmers can make gold out of it, if they follow the proper farm management practices.
Ginger can be grown in greenhouse, indoors, containers, pots, and backyards. When it comes to plant description, ginger is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows annual stems about 1 meter tall bearing narrow green leaves and yellow flowers. Ginger belongs to the family of “Zingiberaceae” and genus of “Zingiber”. Basically ginger is indigenous to south China and eventually spread across the globe. India is largest producer and consumer of ginger in the world and China occupies second place.
Ginger is being used as a spice in many food items as well as in herbal medicines due to its excellent medicinal properties. Ginger also being used as flavouring agent because of its unique refreshing aroma. Commercial cultivation of ginger is very successful in most of the south Asia regions due its market value.
Ginger
Top Producers of Ginger in the World:– India, China, Nepal, Nigeria, Thailand and Indonesia are top production countries of ginger.
Major Ginger Production States in India:- Ginger crop is cultivated in most of the states in India. However, Kerala, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland and Orissa together produce 75% of country’s total production.
Varieties of Ginger:- Several hybrid/improved varieties of ginger are grown in south Asia region. However, the cultivars depends upon the climate, soil and local conditions. The important cultivars are:
Climate Requirement for Ginger Farming:– Ginger thrives well in warm and humid climatic conditions and can be cultivated from sea level to an altitude of 1400 to 1500 meters above sea level (msl). Ginger can be cultivated both under rainfed and irrigated conditions. For successful cultivation of the crop, a moderate rainfall at sowing time till the rhizomes sprout, fairly heavy and well distributed rainfall; during the growing period and dry weather for about a month before harvesting is ideal for good yield.
Health Benefits of Ginger:-
The following are the health benefits of Ginger.
- Ginger promotes healthy heart.
- Ginger helps in settling upset stomach.
- Ginger helps in treating migraine and prevents cold, cough and flu.
- Ginger helps reducing morning sickness.
- Ginger reduces arthritis pain.
- Ginger helps reducing menstrual pain in women.
- Ginger prevents many types of cancers.
- Ginger may prevent ulcers.
- Ginger helps in regulating cholesterol levels.
- Ginger reduces pain and inflammation.