Ginger Cultivation Research Articles

Analysis of ginger marketing strategy in Karanganyar Regency, Indonesia

This study aims to analyze marketing strategies for ginger farmers, identify and analyze the external and internal environments that affect the marketing of ginger and formulate marketing strategies for the development of ginger marketing in Karanganyar Regency. Ginger is one of the plants that can only grow in the tropics. Ginger rhizomes, especially those harvested at a young age do not last long are stored in warehouses. For these reasons, the processing is needed as soon as possible so it remains fit for consumption. To get quality ginger rhizomes, ginger is harvested at the age of not too young nor too old. The analysis used the SWOT matrix, IE Matrix, and QSP Matrix. An analysis of the external and internal environment used IFE and EFE matrix. In this research, alternative strategies that can be applied in marketing ginger in Karanganyar Regency are: 1) SO Strategy: maintaining quality and increasing quantity of ginger, optimizing farmer institution to build partnership with supplier and consumer, 2) WO strategy: improving knowledge and skills and generate interest in the cultivation of ginger, provision of adequate facilities and infrastructure for the continuity and smoothness of production activities, 3) ST strategy: expanding the network marketing and approach to consumers, maintaining consumer confidence with quality and continuity of products, 4) WT Strategy : improving the efficiency of ginger distribution, increasing the adoption rate of farmers technology in ginger cultivation. The result of QSP matrix analysis showed the strategy that can be applied is to improving the quality of producer human resources through the optimization of the role of the related offices to improve the knowledge and skills and increasing the interest to the cultivation of ginger.

Effect of Organic Amendments on Growth, Nutrient Uptake Pattern and Yield of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)

The high yield of ginger is function of adequate and timely supply of plant nutrients. Among the various agronomic technologies influencing the production of ginger, nutrition is found to exert a great influence on growth and yield of ginger. Imbalance, low or no fertilizer application is one of the most important factors in obtaining the poor yield. Hence, the trial was taken to study the effect of organic manures (FYM, neem cake, vermicompost, Azospirillum) and biostimulants (panchakavya, humic acid and PPFM) on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of ginger at Department of Spices and Plantation Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The growth parameters like plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers and leaf area were found to be higher in the plants fed with 50% N (FYM) +25% N (Neem cake) + 25% N (Vermicompost) + Azospirillum (5kg/ha) + Panchakavya (3%). The maximum green rhizome yield (23.55 t ha-1) was obtained with the application of 50% N (FYM) +25% N (Neem cake) + 25% N (Vermicompost) + Azospirillum (5kg/ ha) + Panchakavya (3%) per hectare. The highest uptake of nitrogen (119.06 kg ha-1) and potassium (197.56 kg ha-1) was found in the application of 50% N (FYM) +25% N (Neem cake) + 25% N (vermicompost) + Azospirillum (5kg/ ha) + panchakavya (3%) per hectare The maximum amount of Phosphorus uptake (14.35 kg ha-1) was recorded in the application of 50% N (FYM) +25% N (neem cake) + 25% N (vermicompost) + Azospirillum (5kg/ha) + humic acid (0.1%). In ginger cultivation, the application of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers commonly practiced to increase the yield and quality of rhizome. Considering the world demand for organic food, the improvement of soil health, productivity and the availability of local resources, cultivation under organic farming can be encouraged. Keywords: Bio-stimulants; Growth parameters; Ginger; Nutrient uptake; Organic manures; Yield

The Efficacy of Different Mulching Materials in Influencing Growth, Yield, Soil and Quality Parameters of Ginger Cultivated in Low Country Intermediate Zone (IL1) of Sri Lanka

Even though mulching is a well-known fact among cultivators they are seemingly unaware of its contribution to growth and yield of Ginger and its ability to cope with temperature and water stress. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at the Intercropping and Betel Research Station, Narammala to investigate the effect of different mulching materials on growth, yield, quality parameters of Ginger and the soil parameters in the Low country intermediate zone (IL1) of Sri Lanka. The study was also extended to find out the best mulching material for Ginger under certain field conditions. The findings are expected to contribute to eliminate the uncertainty faced by farmers when selecting suitable mulch for Ginger. The mulches tested were straw, gliricidia leaves, coconut leaves, coir dust and polythene. A control treatment was used without the use of mulch. Experiment was carried out as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Plant and soil parameters were measured at monthly intervals. All the treatments showed better performances than the control treatment which did not use mulch. The maximum number of sprouted plants was obtained in plots mulched with gliricidia. Further, the significantly highest plant height and number of pseudostems per clump were observed in gliricidia mulched plants. Fresh weight and dry weight of rhizomes too followed the similar pattern of measured growth parameters. Plots that did not used mulch recorded the lowest growth rate and yield of Ginger. Soil moisture conservation was significantly higher in the treatments with mulch than the control treatment. Polythene mulch was more effective for conserving of soil moisture than other mulches. However, all the soil parameters significantly contributed to the highest yield of Ginger in Gliricidia mulch treatment. The pungency level of Ginger was significantly higher in the control treatment. In this study gliricidia mulch positively contributed to increase the yield of Ginger (43.66% per hectare) more than the average yield denoted by DEA. Keeping the above facts in view, gliricidia proved to be the best mulch for Ginger cultivation in the low country intermediate zone (IL1) of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the results of this study will help the farmers to use the correct mulch to get significantly higher yield.

Incidence of rhizome rot of ginger in some selected areas of Bangladesh and the causal pathogens associated with the disease

Ginger (ZingiberofficinaleL.) belongs to family Zingiberaceae is an important oriental spice crop. Ginger is high value crop which grows well in warm and humid climate and is cultivated from sea level to an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level (Kandinnan, et al. 1996). It has special significance for tropical countries where it is produced and consumed in large quantities (Islam, 2017; BARI, 2012, 2013 and 2014). The aromatic rhizomes are used as spice and medicine. Major producers of ginger in the world are India, Jamaica, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, China, Japan, Taiwan and Australia (Rana and Sharma, 1998). Ginger is much more used in Bangladesh as a spice and is cultivated more or less all over the country. In the country produced only 74380 metric tons of ginger from 9120 ha of land and the yield per hectare was 8.15 kg (BBS, 2011). But average yield is low as compared to other ginger growing countries of the world. The production is not enough to fulfill the annual requirement of the country. So every year a good amount of ginger is imported in exchange of foreign currency. Like many countries diseases are the major limiting factors for ginger cultivation in Bangladesh. Among the diseases, rhizome rot is the most devastating one caused by Pythium aphanidermatum, Fusariumoxysporum, Sclerotiumrolfsiiand Ralstoniasolanacearumthroughout the world (Chauhan and Patel, 1990; Dohrooet al. 1987 and Iyer, 1987). The pathogens involved decide the nature of the damage and symptom expression .The major pathogens involved with rhizome rot are viz., species of Pythium causing soft rot, Fusariumspp. causing yellows or wilt and Ralstoniasolanacearumcausing bacterial wilt (Elliot, 2003). Basal rot caused by Sclerotiumrolfsiiwhich appears later in the season in some cases. All these pathogens are known to form complexes with nematodes leading to synergistic effect on the severity of the disease. They predispose the crops to secondary pathogens (Sarma, 1994).Loss due to rhizome rot is estimated in many countries and the main pathogens associated with rhizome rot are the fungi such as Pythium spp. and Fusariumspp, bacteria like Ralstoniasolanacearumand nematode (Elliot, 2003). It may cause losses to the extent of 50% or more due to soft rot ((Islam, 2017; BARI, 2012, 2013 and 2014; Joshi and Sharma, 1982) and sometimes total failure of the crops in the tropical regions of India (Fageriaet al, 2006); 70% rhizomeproduction is reduced due to the infection caused by Pythium spp. and Fusariumspp. in Nepal (Anon., 2012) and 5-30% losses occurred in Fiji and Australia by Pythium myriotylum(Stirlinget al., 2009). Soil, water and infected planting materials are the main source of perpetuation of these pathogens (Dohroo, 2005). Pythium spp. is able to persist in soil over decay by means of encysted zoospores, oospores and sporangia. Pythium spp also can survive in air dry muck soil for up to 12 years (Hoppe, 1966). Pythium spread via infested rhizomes (Trujillo, 1964) and as oospores surviving in debris in the soil (Dohroo, 2005). Infection started from contaminated planting materials, saprophytically living fungus in the soil or on trash of previous ginger crops. The soft rot pathogen generally have quite a wide host range and can survive on other host plants so this makes it difficult to control in the field. In the past Pythium aphanidermatumwas known as the sole causal agent of rhizome rot of ginger and was successfully controlled by the technology developed by Plant Pathology Division, BARI. But during the last few years that technology was not working well and it was noticed that some other fungal and bacterial association were involved with such rot. As the crop is cash crop so it is prime need to identify the causal agents of rhizome rot through intensive survey which will help to modify the existing technology for managing the disease in future. The present research work was undertaken to determine the incidence of rhizome rot of ginger and its causal agents.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 44(3): 569-576, September 2019

Comparative Study on Khar Mulching and Forest Litter Mulching: Soil Nutrient Dynamics in Ginger Cultivation

A study conducted to assess the fertility status under Khar(Pragmites karka) and forest litter mulching practices on ginger cultivation. Ginger field with mulching of Khar and ginger field with mulching of forest litter was identified as two strata to collect soil sample. Thirty soil samples collected from each mulching practices. Simple random sampling procedure was followed to collect soil sample within the strata. Soil fertility parameters such as soil pH, Soil organic carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium were analyzed for different mulching system. Mulching material significantly effect on Soil pH, Soil organic carbon and soil nitrogen. Soil acidity was found lower with forest litter mulch (5.53) but it was found higher for Khar mulch (5.78). Soil organic carbon was found higher in ginger field with Khar mulch (2.31%) and found lower with forest litter mulch (1.97%). Soil nitrogen level was found higher in ginger field with Khar mulch (0.20%) and found lower with forest litter mulch (0.17%). Soil available phosphorus and Potassium were not found significantly different in both type of mulching system. The result obtained from the study indicates that ginger field with Khar mulch result soil with higher soil organic carbon and Nitrogen. Mulching decision can also be made after testing the soil of respective ginger growing field. Appropriate liming could be done so that it could reduce the soil acidity problems.
 Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 7(3): 335-340

Value chain analysis of ginger in Panchthar District, Nepal

The study was conducted to assess the value chain of ginger sub-sector in Hiliyang Rural Municipality, Panchthar District, Nepal. The study was conducted in ward No 6 and 7 of Hiliyang Rural Municipality under the area of block of ginger under Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project. The methodological tools such as household survey with 60 ginger producers using interview schedule, key informants interview and rapid market appraisal with ginger producers and focus group discussion among local traders, local collectors, and district level traders were used to collect information. The ginger producers were sampled using random sampling technique and the data were collected in 2018, Feb-June. It was found that majority of the respondents had agriculture as their primary occupation with average land holding area 0.944 ha with average ginger production area 0.088 ha. The average yield of the ginger was 12.40 MT/ha with average cost of production of ginger Rs.17.68/kg. Majority of the respondents had known about the trending price of ginger via local collectors and traders. Fresh ginger was the only product exported from the district as value addition was very nominal. Only cleaning, sorting and packaging activities were performed by the farmers who sold their produce to local traders who in turn supplied to exporter of Birtamode. The trend of ginger cultivation was found to be decreasing. Low as well as fluctuating market price, lack of proper storage and processing facilities were regarded as major problems in ginger marketing. Rhizome rot and Khumle kira was found as the main hindrance in ginger production. This research explored the existing scenario of ginger value chain and its major constraints in the study area.

Factors Affecting Ginger Production in Surkhet District, Nepal

Ginger is a high value crop belongs to family Zingiberaceae. Ginger has multiple health benefits and can be easily grown in mid-hill regions of Nepal. The major challenge is the limited availability of information on factors affecting ginger yield. The objective of this project was to analyze different factors influencing ginger production. The study was conducted in Surkhet district of Nepal in 2018. A total of 100 farmers (60 and 40 from Barahtal and Chingad rural municipalities respectively) were selected using simple random sampling technique. Primary data were collected using interview schedule, focus group discussion and key informant interview. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. The descriptive statistics, chi-square test and correlation were used to derive conclusion. The average age and land under ginger cultivation were 41 years and 0.093 hectare respectively. Average ginger production in the study area was 980 kg per ropani. There was a strong positive relationship between farm size and ginger production. Training, subsidy and labor crisis had positive association with ginger production. However, family size and years of schooling were not significant but positively correlated. It is recommended that concerned authorities should give emphasis on farmer training, extension services, and subsidy to enhance ginger production.
 Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 7(2): 269-273

Interrelated model of farmer behaviour and agricultural resources in the development of ginger agribusiness at the on-farm level

Ginger agribusiness has business prospects that can increase farmers’ income, open employment opportunities and reduce poverty. The problem in the development of ginger agribusiness is the absence of studies on farmer behaviour at the on-farm level and its interaction with agricultural resources. For this reason, it is necessary to map the behaviour of farmers in cultivation, yield processing and marketing of ginger, and interrelate the behaviour of farmers with agricultural resources in ginger agribusiness. Mapping behaviour of farmers includes knowledge, attitudes, and skills in cultivation, processing, and marketing. In the next stage, technology insemination and ginger agribusiness development models are needed. The results showed that the behaviour of ginger farmers at the on-farm level was in the medium and high category in six villages in Moramo Subdistrict. The potential of ginger farmers was the experience of ginger cultivation and interest in business development. Supporting factors of ginger agribusiness include land ownership, land suitability, and availability of ginger seeds. The constraints of ginger agribusiness development were weather changes and price fluctuations. The model of ginger agribusiness development needs to be directed at strengthening the capacity of farmers, partnerships and value-added products to increase the competitiveness of ginger.

ANALISIS USAHA DAN PROSPEK BUDIDAYA JAHE GAJAH (Zingiber officinale) DI DESA KEMU KECAMATAN PULAU BERINGIN, KABUPATEN OKU SELATAN

Business Analysis and Prospect of Plant Cultivation Elephant Ginger (Zingiber officinale R) in Desa Beringin Island Kemu District of South OKU District. The purpose of this study was to calculate the amount of income and financial feasibility of farming ginger in Desa Beringin Island Kemu District of South OKU District. The choice of location is done intentionally (purposive) conducted in October 2015. Sampling was done by using purposive sampling method on 20 samples of 100 population who undertake the cultivation of ginger in the village Kemu with the criteria of the respondents had sought cultivation of ginger> 5 years and wide land> M².Hasil 1000 study showed that the total cost of production dikelu arkan in the cultivation of ginger in one cropping cycle (9 months) in 2015 amounted to Rp 14,834,059, total receipts amounted to Rp 39.222188 so that the total income received amounted Rp 24,388,128. NPV is Rp 19,211,923, IRR amounted to 54.54% and the Net B / C was 1.9 indicating that the cultivation of ginger in Desa Beringin Island Kemu District of South OKU District feasible (feasible) to be developed so it has good prospects in the future to be developed.

Transcriptome analysis provides novel insights into high-soil-moisture-elevated susceptibility to Ralstonia solanacearum infection in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe cv. Southwest)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), one of the most economically valuable plants in the Zingiberaceae family, is widely used as a spice and flavoring agent for beverages, bakery, confectionary, and pharmaceutics. Bacterial wilt disease, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is one of the most detrimental production constraints in ginger cultivation. Field cultivation experiments indicated that soil moisture affects the incidence of bacterial wilt disease. However, the relationship between soil moisture and bacterial wilt incidence as well as the mechanism that underlie this infection remain unclear. This study confirms that high soil moisture elevates the susceptibility to R. solanacearum infection; transcriptome sequencing was performed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Differential expression indicates that a small number of genes is involved in both the response to high soil moisture as well as post successful R. solanacearum infection; furthermore, a large number of genes is involved in the defense of the infection. In response to high soil moisture, higher ABA contents, and higher expression levels of ABF4 may be related to higher tiller density in ginger. More importantly, WAK16 and WAK3-2 may be determinative genes that weaken the resistance to R. solanacearum in ginger under high soil moisture. The down-regulated expression levels of PRX, CPY, and XET genes indicate that in response to successful R. solanacearum infection, the normal cell wall metabolism may be disturbed and the hypersensitive response may be inhibited. In summary, our study deepens our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the soil moisture dependent wilt susceptibility of ginger.

Economics of Production of Ginger in Wayanad District of Kerala, India

The present study was aimed to find out the input use levels and economics of ginger cultivation in Wayanad district of Kerala, during the crop year 2015-16. Total four villages which are leading in the area of ginger cultivation were selected and twenty farmers from each village i.e. total 80 farmers were chosen randomly as sample size. The study indicated that cost of cultivation and gross returns were positively related with size of the holding. The overall cost of cultivation was ` 4, 54,991.62 and ` 4, 94,501.03 per hectare on small and large farms. The expenditure on seed was found to be maximum constituting about 35.01 per cent of total cost followed by human labour, and machine power. All the farm income measures exhibited a positive relationship with the farm size. Returns per rupee of expenditure were found to be ` 0.60 and 0.67 per hectare on small and large farms respectively.

Factors Affecting and Marketing Chain of Ginger in Salyan District, Nepal

Ginger is the potential high value sub-sector in Nepal for small scale farmers’ livelihoods. In this context, this research was conducted in 2016 to analyze value chain of ginger sub-sector in Salyan district of Nepal. Dadagaun and Tharmare VDCs of Salyan were purposively selected for the study. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire for household survey as well as focus group discussion (FGD), key informant interview (KII) and rapid market appraisal (RMA) survey were used. Household level cross-sectional data from 140 households (70 from Dadagaun and 70 from Tharmare VDC) were sampled using simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, and value chain analysis were used to analyse data. Average land under ginger cultivation was 1.62 ropani which was higher in Dadagaun (2.17 ropani) than Tharmare (1.07 ropani) and found statistically significance different at 1 percent level. The average marginal cost of fresh ginger was NRs. 12.15/kg. Local traders were the major market actor influencing the price of ginger and bargaining power as the major factor whereas farmers were seemed weaker in the value chain due to low bargaining power with lack of market information. Huge marketing margin (NRs. 94/kg) and low producers share (14.55%) showed that there was no strong linkage between the producers and traders. This study revealed that ginger value chain analysis in the study area found very unstructured and poor strengthening of business enabling environment, unorganized functional market chain and poor inputs and service provision. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 6(2): 127-131

Productivity and Farm Income differences of Ginger Cultivation in Sikkim

From the study it is concluded that after implementation of the scheme, 93% respondents stated that they have been provided irrigation facilities for farming to enhance agriculture productivity. Around 91.8% respondents admitted that due to the provision of irrigation facilities for farming, the production of commercial crops (89.5% respondents) have increased and 91.8% respondents stated that agriculture lands have been covered under cultivation.

Effects of soil moisture content on the growth and physiological status of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), one of the most valuable economic plants from the Zingiberaceae family, is used worldwide as a spice and flavoring agent in the beverage, bakery, confectionary, and pharmaceutical industries. Soil moisture is one of the most important constraints in ginger cultivation. In the present paper, the phenotype, physiology, biochemistry, and expression difference of genes coding for key enzyme for endogenous hormone metabolism in ginger under different soil moisture conditions (water-filled pore space, WFPS) were measured. Our results indicated that with the increase of soil moisture content, the ramet number of Z. officinale gradually increased, and the ramet number increased to 26.7 ± 3.7 at 40% humidity. However, the stem height, stem diameter, and the relative chlorophyll content were highest at 25% humidity. Similarly, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) as well as the contents of abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene (Eth) content remained relatively low at 25% humidity, whereas they were relatively high at lower moisture (10%) and higher moisture (30–40%) levels. In addition, the expression patterns of key enzyme-coding genes involved in ABA synthesis and Eth metabolism were analyzed to elucidate the effect of soil moisture on ginger cultivation. The results showed that the expression of the genes were in accordance with the variation of ABA and Eth under different soil moisture levels. In sum, soil moisture significantly affects the growth of Z. officinale, and 25% soil humidity is suitable for the growth of Z. officinale.

Growth Pattern, Biochemical and Physiological Characteristics to Determine Harvesting Time of Big White Ginger Rhizome Seeds

<p>The use of young seed rhizomes became one of the obstacles in large white ginger (JPB) cultivation. Young ginger rhizomes rapidly shrank and decrease their viability. The experiment was aimed to study growth patterns, biochemical changes, and physiology of ginger plants to produce good quality rhizome seeds. JPB rhizome seeds used were 9 months old, have been stored for 2 weeks after harvest, weighed 30-40 g with 2-3 buds, healthy, and given seed treatment. The rhizomes were planted in growth medium in polybags (60 cm x 60 cm). The study was conducted by direct observation, repeated 4 times, consisting of 50 plants per replication. Observations were made on the plant growth patterns (plant height, stem length, tillers number, leaves number); rhizome development (fresh weight, branch rhizomes number, moisture content, and dry weight during growth); starch and hormonal content (IAA, gibberellin, ABA and cytokinin) of the rhizomes; and viability of rhizome seeds (growth rate, seed height, and dry weight). The results showed that the rhizomes of the 7-month-old ginger after planting (MAP) has entered the ripening phase, the rhizome morphology was optimal, and the starch content was not different from the rhizome seeds at 8 and 9 MAP. In addition, physiologically, the rhizome's growth potential was maximal (100%), growth rate (4.3% etmal<sup>-1</sup>), and seed height (33.8 cm) were better than 8 MAP (80%, 2.9% etmal<sup>-1</sup>, 33.7 cm) and 9 MAP (70%, 2.3% etmal<sup>-1</sup>, 29.4 cm). This study indicated that ginger rhizomes harvested from 7 months old plants can be used for seeds.</p>

Financial Analysis of Botanical Pesticides Application in Big White Ginger Farming System (Case Study in Tanjungkerta, Sumedang)

<p><em>Botanical pesticides is generally applied to control plant pest in organic farming systems and ginger farmers in Sumedang commonly used it in ginger cultivation. The study aimed to assess the financial feasibility and sensitivity of botanical pesticide use in big white ginger (JPB) cultivation in Tanjungkerta-Sumedang, West Java. Research was conducted in November 2013 with survey method. Price was analyzed by converting the input and output to the price applicable in June 2017. Farmer respondents were determined randomly by selecting 20 respondents from 33 farmers of Gemahrita Farmer Group. The financial feasibility was assessed using Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit Cost Ratio (B/C) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) analysis. Farming sensitivity was measured with BEP (Break Event Point) of production and price. Pest and diseases found in ginger plantation were leaf spot (</em>Phyllosticta<em> sp.) and ladybug (</em>Epilachna<em> sp), which were controlled by botanical pesticide made by the farmers from </em><em>greater galangal, citronella, neem leaf and betle vein leaf. The use of natural pesticides was financially feasible with the eligibility criteria of NPV>0 (Rp 32,081,221,-), B/C Ratio >1 (2.15) and IRR 13 % above the <em>prevailing bank rate (1.5% per month). BEP production 9,601 kg.ha<sup>-1</sup>, BEP price Rp. 1,279,-/kg, 57% below actual productivity and price. This indicated if there was decrease in productivity and price of ginger <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><</span>57%, JPB farming system using botanical pesticide was still feasible.</em> <em>J</em><em>PB farming system using self-made botanical pesticide proved profitable, environmentally friendly and safe for farmer health, hence appropriate and advantageous to be developed.</em></em></p>

Economic analysis of ginger cultivation in selected locations of Nepal

Although Ginger is the main cash crop for small farmers across the country, the economic condition is not satisfactory which can be attributed to high cost of product and low productivity. The study was conducted in four ginger growing areas of Palpa, Nepal in 2012, focusing on cost factors of various inputs. The study revealed that ginger production was profitable on cash cost basis (BCR 7.22). Seed have major cost share for ginger production (65.1%). The estimated coefficients of Cobb-Douglas production function showed that seed, labor and number of years for crop rotation were the significant factors for ginger production. The study concluded that ginger production can be made viable enterprise with increased focus on source seed production and distribution.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(4): 681-691, December 2017

Analysis on the Application and Characteristics of Chinese Patent Medicines Containing Ginger

Ginger taste acrid flavor, slightly warm in nature, tropism of spleen, stomach and lung. Ginger has the effect of inducing sweat and dispelling exogenous evils, eliminating phlegm and relieving cough and warming middle energizer to arrest vomiting. Since ancient times, China has been saying that ginger can cure any diseases. In Zhou Qin's history, the cultivation, consumption and medical use of ginger were recorded in detail. With the continuous digging of ginger in edible and medicinal fields, the application of Chinese patent medicine containing ginger is also concerned all over the world. The research on ginger and its products has been the focus of people's attention, but the research and application of Chinese patent medicine containing ginger is less. This paper summarizes Chinese patent medicine containing ginger, analyzes its application and characteristics, provides theoretical basis for the use of Chinese patent medicine containing ginger.

Pest complex, biology and population dynamics of insect pests of ginger in northeast India

Insect pests are one of the most important constraints in the cultivation of ginger, Zingiber officinale (Rosc.) in Meghalaya. Although, ginger is a important cash crop in Meghalaya, the detailed information on pest complex of ginger and their population dynamics is lacking, which is crucial to formulate effective IPM strategies. Thus, a field experiment was conducted during 2013–2014 to study the ginger pest complex, their biology, and population dynamics. The rhizome fly (Mimegralla coeruleifrons complex), shoot borer (Conogethes (=Dichocrocis) punctiferalis), rhizome mealy bug (Formicoccocus polysperes), white grub (Holotrichia spp.), rhizome weevil (Prodioctes haematicus) were recorded as pests. In addition, infestation of rhizome scale (Aspidiotus hartii) and termite (Odontotermes obesus) were also observed at the time of harvesting. Weather parameters, particularly temperature and rainfall were found to have significant impact on pest populations.

Agro climatic conditions, cropping pattern and its profitability in South Andaman District of Bay Islands

South Andaman district is a group of 10 inhabited islands spread over an area of 310.6 thousand ha as a part of Andaman and Nicobar group of islands in Bay of Bengal. Shifting cultivation on slopes, land degradation, high intensity rainfall, poor crop harvest, low cropping intensity, non availability of labour, high price of agricultural produce imported from mainland and limited employment opportunities resulted into acute poverty in this region. The study revealed that major cultivated crops(vegetable: 1317 ha, paddy: 216.1 ha, maize: 55 ha, ginger: 51.5 ha, sweet potato: 46 ha, tapioca: 26.5 ha, turmeric: 19.5 ha, green gram: 7.2 ha, black gram: 6.5 ha)were not at all economic due to lower net returns and lower benefit-cost ratios (BCR). It was found that the higher net returns were obtained from ginger cultivation (Rs 4, 23, 900) followed by tapioca (Rs 3, 68, 160), sweet potato (Rs 2, 42, 760), vegetables (Rs 2, 07, 760), turmeric (Rs 1, 15, 450), mustard (Rs 19, 125), maize (Rs 11, 430) and arhar (Rs 10, 375). Benefit cost ratio (BCR) was found to be highest in case of tapioca (3.06) followed by sweet potato (2.68), vegetables (2.17), ginger (2.00), arhar (1.53), mustard (1.46), green gram (1.38), turmeric (1.30) and black gram (1.23). In order to avail maximum returns, crops having higher net returns and BCRs need to be allocated more area. Therefore, limited area should be put under paddy, maize, green gram and black gram to meet the minimum food requirement of the district and surplus area to be used for growing crops like ginger, tapioca, sweet potato, vegetable having higher BCRs and net returns to make the agriculture profitable and sustainable.