Get yourself abreast of the modern and improved way of ginger production from the ginger-demonstration-under-conservation-agriculture. Learn sustainable ways to improve ginger production by reducing cost, increasing yield and protecting our environment.
Botanical name:
Zingiber officinale
Suitable varieties:
Local: White type and Yellow type
Export: Yellow Jamaican, Sierra Leonean selection.
Source of planting material:
Exotic varieties – Input dealers; Horticulture Department, KNUST, Kumasi.
Local varieties – Established farms in the growing areas.
Soil and Climatic requirements:
The crop requires constantly hot (25-350c) and moist climate with a well-distributed annual rainfall of at least 1300-1500mm occurring mainly in the 9 months of the crop’s growth. The forest areas of the Ashanti, Central, Volta, Eastern and the Brong Ahafo Regions are good areas for ginger production.
Site Selection:
Ginger does well in slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soils rich in nutrients and organic matter. Lime soils with pH lower than 5. Select land with a gentle slope. Avoid waterlogged or imperfectly drained soils as they retard shoot growth.
Land preparation:
To produce well-shaped rhizomes, thoroughly clear bush, remove root stumps, plough deeply and harrow. Then, raise beds 1.2-1.8m wide or ridges 60-90cm apart for planting. Ginger can also be grown on the flat. (comment: Practise no-till where suitable. No burning and ploughing)
Read also: No-till (Conservation) farming vs Conventional Tillage Agriculture
Seed rate:
1500-2000 kg/ha setts(2.5-5 cm long cured rhizomes).
Propagation:
Use setts with at least two or more viable buds. Dip in EPA approved fungicide solution, air-dry and store for a day or two before planting. The setts are sown directly or nursed and transplanted 4-8 cm deep when the rains start.
Spacing:
25-45 cm between rows and 15-20 cm within rows (about 268,750 plants/ha)
Mulching:
Mulch with non-seeded dry grass, rice husks, dried cocoa husks or plastic mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds. First, spread mulch at planting.
Earthing up:
To avoid exposure of rhizomes to the sun, earthen up as and when necessary. (comment: no need under no-till when there is mulch cover).
Read also: 11 amazing benefits of Ginger
Weed control:
Effectively control weeds by hand picking during the growing season or practice shallow weeding to avoid damaging plants.
Irrigation:
Where rainfall is not evenly distributed and depending on the soil type, irrigate lightly but evenly every 4-7 days.
Read also: Types of Irrigation: Advantages and Disadvantages
Fertilizer application:
Use soil analysis report as a guide for fertilizer application. A general recommendation is to apply 25-30 tons/ha of well-decomposed organic manure during land preparation or apply a total of 600 kg/ha(12 bags) of NPK 15-15-15 in 2 split applications, 5 bags at 3 weeks after sprouting and 7 bags at 3 months after planting.
Read also: Inorganic Fertilizer: Advantages and Disadvantages
Major Pests:
Although there are no serious pests due to the pungent nature of the crop, cutworms, aphids, root-knot nematodes, stem borer, African black beetles and rodents sometimes attack the shoots or roots. Practice IPM or apply EPA approved chemicals.
Major diseases:
Diseases like bacterial wilt, leaf spot, fusarium and pythium rot, soft rot and cork rot can attack the plants. However, you can effectively control them by practising strict hygiene, use of bio-agents like (Trichoderma), improving drainage and ensuring proper sett dressing with EPA approved fungicides before planting.
Crop rotation:
Rotate ginger with leguminous crops or unrelated crops. We recommend a 5-year rotation plan.
Harvesting:
Ginger is ready for harvesting 5-10 months after planting when the tops have started dying and are dislodging. Harvest the rhizomes by hoeing the field or beds or by toppling the ridges. However, take care not to bruise or injure the rhizomes during harvesting. Moreover, Ginger for the fresh export market earlier (about 7 months) to reduce the fibre content of the rhizome.
Read also:
Garden Eggs Production: Detailed Guide from the experts
Yield:
The yield before drying is about 15-20 tons/ha.
Post-harvest handling:
After digging, shake off the soil, remove all roots and wash rhizomes thoroughly. Dry for 2 days in a shade.
Dried ginger:
Dry uniformly to get quality ginger. It may be scraped or non-scraped depending on the market requirement. Dried ginger’s value depends on its whiteness achieved by thorough washing and uniform drying. Liming (2% solution for 6 hrs followed by sun drying for 10 days) improves colour, appearance. Also, it protects the rhizomes from mildew and other pests. Dry to 8-10% moisture content, store at 10-120 c and 90% relative humidity.
Grade:
According to size and colour. Best grade consists of large hands and fingers and free of dirt and traces of mildew.
Preserved or green ginger:
This is prepared by boiling the tender, freshly peeled rhizomes in water after which they are sold in sugar syrup.
Market specification:
Ginger should be clean and uniform in colour. For fresh ginger, the fibre content should be 3.5% or below (export); or with higher pungency (local).
Packaging:
Dried ginger can be packed in 25 and 50 kg meshed bags. Fresh ginger for export can be packaged in (288x203x108)mm or (457x297x153)mm box.
Operational Budget/Ha/Yr (Updated 2017)
| Activity/Input | Cost(Ghc) |
| Land rent | 500.00 |
| Land preparation | 1,800.00 |
| Planting material | 15,000.00 |
| Fertilizer and manure | 1,750.00 |
| Labour | 5,150.00 |
| Total estimated cost | 24,200.00 |
Revenue
Average yield/ha = 15 tons =15000 kg
Percentage loss of 5%
Available yield = 95/100×15000 = 14250
Packaging in 50 kg bag = 14250/50 kg =285 bags
Farm gate price/50 kg bag = Ghc250
Income = 285 bagsxGhc250 = Ghc71,250.00
Net income = 71250-24200 = GHC 47,050.00
Note: This budget does not include fixed cost and overheads.
Reference: Ginger Production (mofa.gov.gh)
For a current and improved way of ginger production, refer to ginger-demonstration-under-conservation-agriculture. Learn sustainable ways to improve ginger production by reducing cost, increasing yield and protecting our environment.
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68 Comments. Leave new
What is the full meaning of the EPA solution?
EPA is Environmental Protection Agency. The post is referring to chemical solutions that are environmentally friendly and approved by EPA.
Dear Mr Okese,
We are now going into ginger farming and processing under One District, One Factory initiative at Atwiman Kwaroma District, in the
Ashanti Region of the Republic of Ghana.
We want to know how much it will cost us to farm 300 hectares of ginger.
We want to know the cost of:
Land preparation (plough and ridge)
Planting materials (purchase Price)
Planting ( Labour and how many people needed
Manual weeding ( how many months after germination)
Fertilizer (if needed)
Fertilizer application
Supervision (Agronomists)
Could you also inform us the yield per hectare?
Sorry for the delayed reply, Kwabena.
One acre of ginger is estimated to cost GHC10,000.00. 300 hectares, ie. 750 acres will cost GHC7.5M.
Will be working and providing you with details as requested soon.
Thank you.
Please I have planned to cultivate two acres@ jasikan in the Volta Region.
1) what should be my expected yield at end of the season?
2)Can you please help me with market when the harvest due?
Thanks
Mr. Afrane, Is there ready market for ginger in our country Ghana? i want to enter into it. how many bags of ginger will i need to plant on an acre of land? How much is a bag of ginger? can I get some to buy from you? and if yes, how do i get to you.? i have two acres that i really want to work on. Again when is the right time to plant it? Please let me hear from you. thank you
There is a ready market for ginger, but as it stands now you may need to establish our contact with buyers.
You will need 15bags(x 50kg) per an acre of land.
Currently, a bag goes for GHC150.00.
Yes, we can supply you with ginger planting materials.
You may start planting ginger at the beginning of the first rainy season ie. in March.
Please use the contact form and leave your number. We will get back to you.
Thank you, Alexander.
Please I want someone to partnership with in a ginger farming. The person can contact me on ##########.
We appreciate your comment, Opoku. We, however, do not encourage the sharing of contacts in comments. You may use the MyFarm Community for such appeals. Thank you.
please i will like to know how many bags of ginger will i need to cultivate on two plots of land and the yield.
Two plots is about 0.5acre. You will need 7.5bags (7.5bgas x 50kg).
Thanks.
please i will also like to know raising a bed for the ginger and without a bed which is the best method.
I would say not raising beds is the better method. That would, however, depend on the nature of land and other factors. Not raising beds, as much as practicable, is cheaper, sustainable and gives a good yield.
Hi, I have about 5 to 10 acres of land in the Ashanti Region and would want to go into ginger farming, however i am very lay at agriculture issues but would want to enter into agric, could your outfit assist me on that please. my number is 0244828842.
Hi Kwadwo,
We would be glad to help. Please provide your phone number on the contact form and the team will get back to you.
For the sake of your own privacy do not share your contact in your comments.
Thank you.
SO WITH THE 15 BAGS OF 50kg ON AN ACRE ,WHEN TAKEN CARE OF THE FARM WELL , HOW MANY BAGS WILL BE YIELD AVERAGELY .
THANKS
Ginger could yield about 80-100bags (50kg) under very good conditions.
my name is ALHASSAN how many bags of ginger can use in the planting on an acre of land,i bought 10 to 12 bags for the planting an acre for the beginner,cux i was in to pineapple farming
15bags of the standard size (50kg) would be required for one acre.
Thanks, Alhasan.
Hi, am planning of going into ginger production the next planting season at Kete Krachi in the northern volta, My challenge now is getting market. Help me.
Great, Anane.
May I know the size of ginger farm you are hoping to establish?
Thank you.
Hello Mr. Okese
I wish to start with 6 acres
That’s wonderful.
Anane, there is definitely a market for such levels of production. However, you may need to find it. You can start by contacting the industries that use ginger as raw materials.
We can also help you get contacts to some other buyers, as and when we get them.
Thank you.
Please when is the right season for cultivating ginger
You may plant at the beginning of the major rainy season.
Thank you, Dominic.
please am a final year students who is working on ginger in the northern Ghana and want to enter on a large scale farm after school in the Ashanti region of Ghana. I want to know if there will be a ready a market if am to enter into the ginger farming and also want to know how beneficial will it be to me if I take it as a sole crop that I want to produce.
Yes, Opoku. There is a ready market for ginger but you may need to find it depending on the location of production.
Growing ginger as a sole crop will ensure maximum production and that is advised in commercial production.
Thank you.
I am very much interested in ginger farming and have my business plan ready please how can you help me in achieving this dream. Thanks
Glad to hear from you, Jennifer.
Kindly use the contact form and leave your contact number. We will get back to you so we can further discuss your ginger farming ambitions.
Thank you.
Pls I want to plant Ginger so pls I want yo a help on that and the time is ready to cultivate
Hi Fedalis,
You may start a topic on how to cultivate ginger at http://myfarm.agrihomegh.com/support-forum/
Thank you.
Hi, can you help me with planting materials? If not how can I get reliable rhizomes to grow and at what cost ? Thank you
Yes, Nana Yaw. We can get you healthy ginger planting materials and to the location, you may specify. Please use the contact form, leave your number and we will get in touch with you for further discussions.
Thanks.
My farm is located at Obuasi.
Thanks, Linda.
Please use the contact form, provide your phone number and we will get back to you.
I currently have 3 acres of ginger which will be already in about two months. Can you help me with marketing of my products?
Thank you, Linda.
What is the location of the farm?
I have two questions:
1. I have the same concerned as Ahmed; i have acquired 5500 hectares of land in the B/A region to produce 120 t/d high quality cassava flour, where should our market be, domestic or export? Could you give us a serious contact of companies looking for the product (HQCF)
2. We also have 30 acres of land to produce ginger in Tanoso , B/A region, could you help us find buyer both domestic and worldwide; could you also give us an estimated budget to farm.
Thanks a lot, Kwabena.
1. We cannot guarantee and for that matter cannot give any contact concerning buyers of your product. You may, however, take advantage the MyFarm Community by Agrihome, to freely advertise your product or produce.
2. We may be able to help with domestic buyers. Please contact us. Further, 30acres (12 ha) ginger cultivation will cost GHC290,400.00 approximately. Refer to post for details of the budget (updated 2017).
I want to enter into ginger production massively. Please, can you help me with the necessary information and expertise advice
Great idea, Akwasi. We would be glad to guide you through every step of the way. Let us know what exactly your plans are for the ginger; the intended size, location etc.
Akwasi, we would like you to take advantage of MyFarm Community to access more help from the community. Please register and start a topic on ginger production and any other farming venture you desire.
We are always glad to be of help.
Thank you.
1. What is the fresh ginger moisture content?
2. What is the ginger powder moisture content?
3. What is the ginger juice bottle?
4. What is the ginger flakes (pieces) thickness? It determines the knives configuration
5. What is the solid content in the ginger paste? How many grams per small bag?
Please, refer to Ginger post harvest and market specifications for responses to your questions.
Thanks a lot, Mr Agyarko.
I am a teacher in one of the senior high schools and wants to partner an interested person for ginger farming. Please do contact me on 0554554609/0549495625. Thanks
I want to go into ginger production on a large scale, but what I have realized is that weeds control is a major problem, is there herbicides for the control of weeds in ginger production, if not Chemico, Wienco, and Yara should be tasked to produce that type of herbicides for the Ghanaian market I mean post-emergence herbicides. Thank you.
Weed control is indeed a major problem in ginger production. In the mean time, no-till technology seems a sustainable way to reduce weed incidence in ginger cultivation. However, I agree, more work has to be done on how to improve weed control in ginger as we are expecting a huge increase in ginger production in Ghana.
Helloo,
Good afternoon, thanks very much for this insightful article on ginger production. I intend to go into ginger farming. As a novice to the field of farming, can you kindly help me out with the vital information with regards to:
a. the estimated cost of production per acre of land,
b. proposed revenue per acre,
c. possible yield(bags) per acre
d. how i need to go about the process, and
e. the market availability.
thank you
For responses to your request please follow the discussion at http://myfarm.agrihomegh.com/Support/topic/production-cost-of-ginger-and-other-info/.
Please start another topic at the Crops Forum, for an extensive guide on the processes of production.
Thanks, Daniel.
Hello, I would like some info about ginger production
Thanks, Y-Manson. Please refer to the guide for information. We would be glad to answer and help with any further question about the subject.
interested in growing for export. how can you help please?
Great idea. Y-Manson, we would be glad to provide technical assistance through out your production.
How do I contact you please. Are you in Kumasi?
Please use the Contact form and leave your phone number and a brief on what you want to discuss. We will get back you.
Thank you.
I want to enter into ginger production massively. Please, can you help me with the necessary information? Call me on 0246185446/0506465084
Or, you can get me your contact lines, please. I’m serious.
We would be glad to help. We will get in touch. Thanks Richmond.
I just chanced upon your site when doing my own research. I am interested in Ginger farming on the mid to large scale and i will really love a sit down with you at your convenience. I have some questions that require some clarification someone with your expertise can provide. my contact details are attached.
We would be glad to help. Anyway, I don’t seem to find your attached contact details. Please call us or us the contact form and we will get back to you.
Thanks, Peter.
I need ginger farmer who can produce 20 bags to 50 bags as soon as possible.
CONTACT: 0544358327
i need ginger market info
Christian, do you mean buyers? Please, may we know the location of your farm?
Thank you.
Please Mr. Afrane am a ginger farmer and looking for export market. Can you be of help
At the moment no, no reliable contact. However, I will be glad to inform you when we get very reliable contacts. Keep in touch, Richard.
Best regards.
PLEASE CONTACT ME NOW 0544358327
Plls please i need more information on the land preparation. thank you.
Thanks for your comment Stephen. What would you want to know about land preparation or what exactly are you trying to do? Please respond and we are happy to provide all the information.
Am a young guy of 30 and above and I would like to go into ginger cultivation but my fears is how can I get the market.
Pls I need your advice and directives.
thank you.
Ahmed, ginger is on high demand worldwide. However, the ease of contacting buyers may depend on your location. It is a good venture. May i know where you would like to farm your ginger.