Package of practices Ginger production

ਮਾਹਿਰ ਲੇਖ

ਟੈਸਟ, Nov 23, 2021

Ginger is an important spice crop of the India . It very high value in medicinal uses and ginger provides a variety of vitamins and minerals. Dry ginger is used for the manufacture of oil, oleoresin, essence, soft drink, non-alcoholic beverages. India is the largest producer and exporter to more than 50 countries.

Time of Planting: -

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

Soil & Climate

Ginger is a tropical crop its required warm and humid climate. Cool and dry climate is best for rhizome development. Deep, well-drained, loamy soil, rich in humus is ideal for ginger cultivation.

Land preparation:-

Plow the field twice then harrow. Incorporate fully decomposed FYM at 1.5-2 t/Acre. 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. Seed rate: - 900 – 1000 kg rhizomes free from pests and diseases are selected for planting 1 acre area.

Seed treatment:-

Seed treatment induces early germination and prevents seed borne pathogens and pests. Before sowing. Seed rhizomes are also treated with Dithane M-45@ 1g/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, 2-3 tones of FYM per acre is incorporated in the soil. NPK @ 50:40:40 kg/acre 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.

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.

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. At least two earthing up is required for better growth and development of rhizomes.

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.

Soft Rot :-

The infection starts at the collar region of the pseudo stem and progresses upwards as well as downwards. Affected pseudo stem becomes water soaked and the rotting spreads to the rhizome resulting in soft rot. At a later stage root infection is also noticed. Foliar symptoms appear as light yellowing of the tips of lower leaves which gradually spreads to the leaf blades.

Bacterial Wilt:-

Water soaked spots appear at the collar region of the pseudo stem and progresses both side upwards and downwards. The first conspicuous symptom is mild drooping and curling of leaf margins of the lower leaves which spread upwards. Yellowing starts from the lowermost leaves and gradually progresses to the upper leaves. In the advanced stage, severe yellowing and wilting symptoms occurs. The vascular tissues of the affected pseudo stems show dark streaks.

Leaf Spot:-

The disease starts as water-soaked spot and later turns as a white spot surrounded by dark brown margins and yellow halo. The lesions enlarge and adjacent lesions coalesce to form necrotic areas.

Fusarium wilt :-

The infected plants remain yellow and stunted in growth. The yellowing starts from lower leaves. From infection to total collapse is gradual. Infected plants produce shriveled tubers and brown ground tissue.

Stem borer :-

Stem borer causes the most damage in ginger. If the insect-infested plants leaves, stems, become yellow in color.

Leaf roller:- Leaf roller attacks the leaves and leave are rolled, which are found in large numbers in the months of August and September.

Rhizome scale :- Adult (female) scales feed on sap and when the rhizomes are severely infested, they become shriveled and desiccated affecting its germination. In initial stage of infestation, the white coloured scales are seen scattered on rhizomes and later they congregate near the growing buds.

Tip :- For control disease and pest use Lebel claimed fungicides and insecticides.

Harvesting and Yield :-

Ginger attains full maturity in 210-240 days after planting. Harvesting of ginger for vegetable purpose starts after 180 days based on the demand. However, for making dry ginger, the matured rhizomes are harvested at full maturity i.e. when the leaves turn yellow and start drying. Irrigation is stopped one month before harvest and the rhizome clumps are lifted carefully with a spade or digging fork.

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