Climate; Ginger thrives best in dry and warm conditions, requiring low humidity in the climate. It can be cultivated effectively in areas with annual rainfall ranging from 1000 to 1800 mm.

Temperature: The ideal temperature for ginger cultivation is between 20 to 32 degrees Celsius. The soil should maintain about 70% moisture.

Water Demand: Ginger requires approximately 1000 to 1800 mm of water during its crop cycle.

Soil Requirements: Ginger does not thrive in waterlogged soils; proper drainage is essential. Sandy loam soil is most suitable for its cultivation.

Soil pH:

The pH level of the soil for ginger cultivation should be around 6 to 6.5. If the pH exceeds 7, gypsum should be applied to the soil. Conversely, if the pH is below 6, lime should be used to amend the soil.

Major Varieties:

• IISR: Expected yield of 22.6 tons per hectare; maturity in 200 days.
• Suprabha: Expected yield of 16.6 tons per hectare; maturity in approximately 229 days.
• Suruchi: Expected yield of 11.6 tons per hectare; maturity in 218 days.
• Soorbhii: Expected yield of 17.5 tons per hectare; maturity in 225 days.
• Hemagiri: Expected yield of 13.5 tons per hectare; maturity in 230 days.
• IISR Mahima: Expected yield of 23.2 tons per hectare; maturity in 200 days.
• IISR Ragita: Expected yield of 22.4 tons per hectare; maturity in 200 days.

Sowing of Crops:

Seeds should be sown at a spacing of 40 cm, using either raised bed or furrow methods. The rhizomes should be planted at a depth of 5 cm and covered with well-decomposed manure or soil after sowing.

Suitable Time of Sowing: Ginger seeds should be kept in the nursery for germination for about a month. For the nursery bed, mix well-rotted manure with sand (50:50) and spread the seeds on the prepared bed, covering them with the same mixture. Water should be sprayed morning and evening to ensure moisture.

Field Preparation: The nursery beds should be 1 meter wide and 15 cm high. The soil should be tilled to make it loose, with at least two ploughings. Farmyard manure and compost should be incorporated into the field.

Crop Cycle: Ginger should follow a crop rotation cycle. Companion crops that can be grown alongside ginger include tapioca, ragi, rice, sesame, maize, and vegetables.

Water Management: Ginger can be cultivated in areas with annual rainfall between 1000 to 1800 mm, where it can yield well. Moderate rainfall is necessary during the sowing time for the proper establishment of rhizomes.

Weed Management: Effective weed management strategies should be implemented to prevent competition for nutrients and water.

Harvesting: Ginger should be harvested after about 8 to 9 months. Delaying the harvest can reduce the quality of the seeds and their storage capacity. After harvesting, the soil attached to the rhizomes and leaves should be cleaned.

Diseases & Disease Prevention:

Rhizome Scale Disease:

• Description: Affects ginger roots due to insects.
• Symptoms: Crop shrinks.
• Prevention: Timely harvesting and application of Beauveria bassiana.

Rhizome Rot Disease:

• Description: Rapidly affects the crop.
• Symptoms: Leaves turn yellow and start drying.
• Prevention: Adopt crop rotation and use Bavistin.

Leaf Folder Insect Disease:

• Description: Insects fold the leaves.
• Symptoms: Leaves curl, reducing photosynthesis.
• Prevention: Spray neem oil and lime.

Stem Borer Disease:

• Description: Insects bore holes into the stems.
• Symptoms: Leaves turn yellow.
• Prevention: Use solar light and pheromone traps.

White Grub Disease:

• Description: Insects feed on the roots.
• Symptoms: Plants start drying out.
• Prevention: Use farmyard manure or dry ashes.

Leaf Spot Disease:

• Description: Occurs in high humidity.
• Symptoms: Up to 50% crop yield loss.
• Prevention: Select good seeds.

Bacterial Wilt Disease:

• Description: Likelihood increases with rain and heat.
• Symptoms: Affects 80 to 90% of the crop.
• Prevention: Use Bavistin and Pseudomonas.

Rhizome Fly Disease:

• Description: Damages ginger yields.
• Symptoms: Leaves turn yellow and dry out.
• Prevention: Adopt crop rotation.

Yield: With advanced varieties and proper management, the average yield can reach up to 300 quintals per hectare.

Storage: Ginger should be prepared for storage before maturity. For fresh consumption during summer, it should be harvested after 5 months, while for dried use, harvesting should occur after 8 to 9 months.