The ginger plant (Zingiber officinale) is grown for its aromatic, pungent, and spicy rhizomes, which are often referred to as ginger roots.
The main active components in ginger are gingerols, which are responsible for their distinct fragrance and flavor. Gingerols are powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that can help alleviate the pain caused by arthritis. Studies have also shown that ginger helps boost the immune system, protect against colorectal cancer, and induce cell death in ovarian cancer.
Ginger production is divided into four stages: planning, pre-planting, planting, agronomic practices, harvesting, and packing.
Planning is the first stage and is an important step that should not be skipped. At the planning stage, you imagine all of the processes from beginning to conclusion. During planning, there is the need to list all of the important components and requirements of ginger production, as well as the strategies and methods you intend to employ to achieve the desired or potential results.
At this point, you must try and raise all the relevant questions related to the project and then attempt to answer all the essential questions such as;
How much does it cost to grow ginger in Ghana and what are the advantages?
Make a thorough cost-benefit study of ginger production. Make a precise budget that includes all of the materials and labor that will be required to develop a specific region. Calculate the cost of your labor and any inputs you may or may not purchase.
Costs of various technologies are compared. Make your decision based on application, cost, and long-term viability.
What is the best location for growing ginger in Ghana?
Ginger grows best in well-drained loamy soils. Stay away from flooded places. The location must be easily accessible for harvest hauling and other mechanical activities.
Consider conducting a soil analysis. The data will assist you in determining the land’s fertility and accessible soil nutrients. This will assist you in determining the appropriate amount of fertilizer or manure to use.
What is the best way to market and sell ginger in Ghana?
Selling fresh at the open foodstuff market, selling fresh and in bulk to alcoholic beverage companies, selling fresh to aggregators, and processing into powder or juice are all options.
Before you begin, have a clear notion of what you want and even make contact with potential purchasers.
Where can I acquire good planting supplies in Ghana and how do I get them?
Know where you can acquire high-quality ginger planting materials. Per acre, around 37.5bags (1,500kg) of ginger materials are required.
Planting materials and ginger varieties in Ghana.
Pre-planting is the second stage.
Site Selection & Getting the Land Ready
Ginger thrives best in warm, humid climates. Choose a site that provides plenty of light, including 2 to 5 hours of direct sunlight. Ideal spots are also protected from strong winds
The cost of various land preparation procedures varies. The traditional approach entails slashing or eradicating weeds, burning or removing weed leftovers, and plowing the soil. Then there’s the no-till approach, in which the cleared residue is left to blanket the land’s surface rather than being plowed.
The best soil for ginger is loose, loamy, and rich in organic matter. Loamy soils allow water to drain freely, which will help prevent the rhizomes from becoming waterlogged. Thick mulch can also provide nutrients, retain water, and help control weeds
Watering:
Irrigation:It is advantageous to provide irrigation. When you plant, you can expect bigger yields. Irrigation using sprinklers is ideal for ginger.
Preparation of planting materials.
The same root/rhizome that is ingested is used to cultivate ginger. Before planting, the whole is split into smaller pieces using a sharp knife and treated. The size of cuttings is determined by humidity and the moisture content of the soil.
Planting and agronomic methods in the third stage
Ginger seedlings
Between March and May, you can plant ginger following a period of regular rainfall. Climate change is causing this trend to shift. Production will be assured in inclement weather thanks to the deployment of sustainable technologies. Mulch and/or irritate ginger after planting to achieve optimum sprouting.
Planting distance: 20cm apart, no ridges
20cm x 30cm ridges
Plant at a depth of 4–10cm.
Consider the appropriate distance and depth; how your land is prepared
The depth of planting will be determined by the size of the planting material.
The weather conditions in question
Ginger irrigating
For ginger, a sprinkler watering method is ideal. Look into different systems and see whether they’re a good fit. Irrigate softly but uniformly every 4-7 days, depending on the type of soil, where rainfall is not evenly distributed. Waterlogging should be avoided at all costs.
Do not allow the plants to dry out while they are actively growing. As the weather cools, reduce watering. This will encourage the plants to form underground rhizomes. In dry areas, mist or spray plants regularly. Always avoid overwatering
Before planting, cut the ginger rhizome into 1- to 1½-inch pieces, and set them aside for a few days to allow the cut surface area to heal and form a callus. In early spring, plant parts of the underground rhizomes. Each piece should be plump with well-developed growth buds, or eyes.
A good source of ginger for planting is fresh rhizomes from another grower. If you are buying ginger from a store, soak the rhizomes in water overnight because they are sometimes treated with a growth retardant.
Plant the rhizomes 6 to 8 inches apart, 2 to 4 inches deep, and with the growth buds pointing upward. They can be planted whole or in smaller pieces with a couple of growing buds each. Ginger plants will grow to about 2 to 3 feet tall.
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Application of fertilizer
Use the soil test data as a guide when applying fertilizer. During field preparation, apply 25-30 tons/ha of well-decomposed organic manure. Alternatively, spread 600 kg/ha (12 bags) of NPK 15-15-15 over two applications, with 5 bags applied three weeks after sprouting and 7 bags applied three months after planting.
If the soil is less than ideal, add a slow-release organic fertilizer at planting. Afterward, liquid fertilizer may be applied every few weeks.
These soil amendments are especially needed in regions of heavy rainfall, where rain can leach essential nutrients from the soil. You can also add compost, which will supply nutrients as well as retain water in the soil. Ginger roots benefit from fertilizer containing high levels of phosphorus (P). Have the soil tested first and amend the soil before planting according to the test recommendations.
Controlling pests in ginger
Cutworms, aphids, root-knot nematodes, stem borer, African black beetles, and rats occasionally attack the shoots or roots, even though there are no major pests due to the fragrant nature of the crop. Use IPM techniques or EPA-approved chemicals.
Ginger is used to fight disease.
Plants can be affected by diseases such as bacterial wilt, leaf spot, fusarium and pythium rot, soft rot, and cork rot. However, you may easily control them by maintaining rigorous sanitation, using bio-agents such as (Trichoderma), increasing drainage, and applying EPA-approved fungicides to the set before planting.
Stage 4: Ginger harvesting and packaging
Ginger harvesting
5-10 months after planting, ginger is ready to harvest. The tops begin to die and dislodge. By hoeing the field or beds, the rhizomes can be harvested. Alternatively, the ridges can be toppled. However, when harvesting the rhizomes, take care not to bruise or hurt them. Harvest ginger for the fresh export market a little earlier as well (about 7 months). The rhizome’s fiber concentration is minimal at this stage.
Ginger can be harvested by digging up the entire plant. Although it may be harvested at any stage of maturity, the best time is when the plant is 8 to 10 months old. After harvest, choose rhizomes for replanting and replant them promptly.
Ginger is typically available in two forms:
- Young ginger is usually available only in Asian markets and does not need to be peeled.
- Mature ginger is more readily available and has tough skin that needs to be peeled.
Store fresh ginger in the refrigerator or freezer. If left unpeeled, it can keep for up to 3 weeks in refrigeration or up to 6 months frozen.
Ginger crop yield
Before drying, the yield is around 15-20 tons per hectare. This equates to 300-500 bags.
Ginger post-harvest handling
Shake off the earth after digging, remove all roots, and thoroughly wash the rhizomes. Dry in the shade for 2 days.
After harvesting, ginger is dried.
To acquire quality ginger, dry it evenly. Depending on market demand, it may be scraped or not scraped. Furthermore, the value of dried ginger is determined by its whiteness, which is achieved through thorough washing and consistent drying. Liming (2 percent solution for 6 hours, then 10 days in the sun) improves color and appearance. It also guards the rhizomes against mildew and other pests. Dry to a moisture level of 8-10% and store at 10-120°C and 90% relative humidity.
After the harvest, ginger is graded. Depending on the size and color of the item. The finest grade has large hands and fingers that are free of dirt and mildew residues.
Specifications for the market
The color of the ginger should be consistent and clean. The fiber content of fresh ginger should be less than 3.5 percent (for export); otherwise, it should have a stronger pungency (local).
Ginger Packaging
Dried ginger is available in 25 and 50-kilogram mesh bags. Fresh ginger can be packaged in either a (288x203x108) mm or a (457x297x153) mm box for export.
