The demand for ginger is on the rise due to its diverse uses in food, beverages, and medicines. In Kenya, ginger is commonly used in households and by food processing industries, with countries like India, China, and the Middle East being major importers. The economic viability of ginger farming is high, with good returns on investment due to the premium prices it fetches in the market.
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| Ginger plantation. |
Climate
and soil requirements for garlic farming
Ginger
thrives in warm and humid tropical climates. The ideal temperature range for
ginger cultivation being between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. They require moderate
rainfall of 1500-2000mm annually, well distributed throughout the growing
season. Areas with excessive rainfall may require proper drainage to prevent
waterlogging.
Soil
Ginger
grows best in well-drained loamy or sandy loam soils that are rich in organic
matter. The pH should slightly be acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.
Good soil aeration is crucial as waterlogged conditions can lead to rhizome rot.
Planting
materials
Ginger is planted from small sections of the rhizomes known as sets. The rhizomes should be cut in to pieces, each with at least one or two healthy buds. The cut pieces are allowed to cure in a cool dry place before planting. It is advisable to get your rhizomes from a reliable/certified source so as to ensure they are healthy and diseases free.
Planting
process
When
it comes to planting ginger, timing is very important. Planting is typically
done at the onset of the rainy season to ensure adequate moisture. In Kenya,
this is usually between March and April or around November. The rhizomes are
put in rows with a spacing of 20-30cm between the rows. They should be at a
depth of about 5-8cm with the bud facing upwards.
Crop
management
Ginger
requires consistent moisture throughout its growth period. This means supplemental
irrigation may be necessary during the dry conditions so as to maintain
adequate soil moisture levels.
Weeding
Regular
weeding is essential to prevent competition for nutrients and water. You can
mulch with organic materials like straw or leaves to help suppress weeds,
retain soil moisture, and improve soil fertility.
Pest
and disease management
·
Pests
Nematodes-
These microscopic worms damage ginger roots, often leading to stunted growth.
In control of them, you can use nematicides and also practice crop rotation to
manage nematode infestations.
Aphids
and Thrips: You can control these using organic insecticides.
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Diseases
Rhizome
Rot- Rhizome rot disease is caused by fungi. To manage this disease, you have
to ensure there is proper drainage in your farm.
Leaf
Spot: This another fungal infection that causes leaf spots and can be
controlled using fungicides while practising proper field hygiene.
Harvest
and post harvest management.
Ginger
is ready for harvest 8-10 months after planting when the leaves start to turn
yellow and dry. When harvesting, carefully lift the rhizomes from the soil
using a spade or fort to avoid damage. Once you have harvested your ginger,
wash the rhizomes to remove soil and debris then you allow them to dry in a
shaded, well-ventilated area for a few days before storing them in a cool, dry
place to prevent them from spoiling.
Value
addition
Value
addition in ginger farming is basically enhancing the economic value of ginger
through various forms of processing and packaging. This not only increases the
profitability of ginger farming but also opens up new market opportunities both
locally and internationally. Some of the value-added products of ginger are
dried ginger, ginger powder, ginger oil, ginger paste, ginger tea, pickled
ginger, ginger extracts and concentrates.
Value
addition is important as it increases profitability, it brings about market diversification,
extends the shelf life, it creates jobs and enhances market access.
