Ginger Programme

The Ginger Research Programme of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike is responsible for conducting research on ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.). Ginger has a distinctive role among the Institute’s mandate crops, as it is primarily used as a major spice in the culinary, food and beverage, medicinal, and confectionery industries rather than being consumed directly as a staple food.

Effective research on ginger at the Institute commenced in 1982, while ginger cultivation in Nigeria dates back to around 1929 in the Jema’a Federated Districts of Kaduna State.

Programme Focus

The Ginger Research Programme focuses on the development of suitable ginger cultivars, improved production practices, processing and post-harvest technologies, and marketing technologies aimed at improving yield and farmers’ income.

The Programme also works towards promoting ginger cultivation beyond its traditional production area in the southern part of Kaduna State.

Programme Mandate

The Ginger Research Programme is mandated to:

• Develop high-yielding and disease-resistant ginger varieties with quality characteristics suitable for competition in the international market.
• Reduce drudgery in ginger production through mechanization of production processes.
• Develop affordable methods for storing and processing ginger without compromising its quality.
• Develop efficient marketing channels for ginger in Nigeria.
  
  

Research and Technology Development

The Programme has conducted research aimed at developing production technologies suitable for different agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. Key areas of research and technology development include:

Ginger Production Technologies

The Programme developed production technology packages addressing important aspects of ginger cultivation, including the adaptability of ginger to the rainforest agro-ecology of Nigeria.

Research also identified mulching as an important cultural practice in ginger production, with its use enhancing the yield of existing varieties.

Rhizome Sett Size

Research established optimum rhizome sett sizes for seed and ware ginger production. Seed ginger production requires sett sizes of 15–20 g, while ware ginger production requires sett sizes of 21–35 g for optimum production. This technology also helps to minimize wastage of planting materials and has been released to farmers for use.

Planting Depth

Research established an optimum planting depth of 10 cm for sustainable yield and performance of ginger.

Crop Mixtures and Soil Fertility

The Programme has developed compatible crop mixtures involving ginger and has investigated the use of organic manure in ginger production.

Research has also established levels of micronutrients and NPK fertilizer for economic ginger production. Foliar application of 3 kg/ha Agrolyzer Micronutrient at 8 WAP and 300 kg/ha of NPK fertilizer were identified as providing better and economic yield performance.

Processing and Value Addition

The Programme has contributed to value addition through the development of ginger-based products and recipes. These include ginger drink, ginger powder, ginger bread, biscuits, and cookies, among others.

The Programme has also developed and fabricated a ginger splitting machine to support ginger processing.

Research Achievements

The Ginger Research Programme has recorded several achievements in ginger research and technology development, including:

• Development of ginger production technology packages for different agro-ecological zones in Nigeria.
• Establishment of the adaptability of ginger to the rainforest agro-ecology of Nigeria.
• Development and fabrication of a ginger splitting machine.
• Identification of mulching as an important cultural practice for enhancing ginger yield.
• Establishment of optimum rhizome sett sizes for seed and ware ginger production.
• Establishment of optimum planting depth for ginger production.
• Development of compatible crop mixtures with ginger.
• Research into the use of organic manure in ginger production.
• Establishment of optimum levels of micronutrients and NPK fertilizer for economic ginger production.
• Development of ginger-based food products and recipes.
• Compilation of a compendium of ginger research conducted at NRCRI, Umudike.
• Establishment of the cost and returns of cultivating one hectare of ginger in the Guinea Savannah and Rainforest agro-ecologies of Nigeria.

The Programme reports current crop yields of 12–15 t/ha for UG1 and 9–11 t/ha for UG2.

Current Research Activities

The Programme’s current research activities include:

• Multi-location evaluation of promising mutant lines of ginger for possible development of new ginger varieties.
• Evaluation of selected leguminous crops as living mulch materials for ginger production.
• Evaluation of irrigation methods and frequency for dry-season ginger production in the Savanna Zone of Nigeria.
• Evaluation of fungicides for the control of yellow leaf spot disease of ginger.
• Evaluation of post-emergence herbicides for weed control in ginger production.
• Sensitization of farmers in South-East Nigeria on ginger cultivation.
• Seed ginger multiplication for distribution to farmers in Nigeria.
• Establishment of one-hectare demonstration plots in five states of Nigeria.
• Design and fabrication of a hand-driven ginger planter.
  
  

Challenges

The Programme identifies the following challenges affecting ginger production:

• Narrow genetic base.
• Low-yielding varieties.
• Insufficient mechanization of production processes.
• High production costs.
• Undeveloped local and international markets.
• Poor processing facilities.
• Incidence of yellow leaf spot disease.
  
  

Contribution to Ginger Research and Development

Through its research activities, the Ginger Research Programme addresses key areas of genetic improvement, production, mechanization, processing, storage, value addition, and marketing of ginger. Its research and technology development activities are directed towards improving ginger production and supporting farmers through appropriate production and processing technologies.