An increasing number of farmers in Pema Gathsel Dzongkhag are taking up large-scale ginger cultivation, following the establishment of a ginger powder processing factory in Samdrup Jongkhar in 2019. Some farmers are now cultivating ginger in over five acres of farmland.
Namkha, a retired armed force personnel from Nganglam, has planted six tones of ginger seeds in four acres of land.
He said that he has been engaged in agriculture work since his retirement but most of his crops were destroyed by wildlife. Surprisingly, wild animals, including wild boars, do not eat the ginger plant. “Ginger has the potential to make our livelihoods better,” he said.
Another farmer, Richen Zangpo, plans to cultivate ginger once he harvests the foxtail millet growing on his land. He said that ginger is relatively easier than growing other crops.
The ginger powder-processing factory in Samdrup Jongkhar has provided a ready market for their produce. The factory offers different prices based on the quality of the ginger.
Before the factory was set-up, ginger farmers in the east had to sell their produce across the border in India.
The farmers also said that by increasing the ginger cultivation, work at the ginger powder processing factory will also increase, which in turn will result in more young people being employed at the factory.
Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag harvested over 296 metric tones of ginger last year. The yield is expected to surge this year with the increasing number of farmers taking up large-scale cultivation of ginger.
Thinley Dorji
