KATHMANDU, Oct 16: Nepal heavily relies on agricultural products, many of which are imported to meet domestic demand.

However, in the case of ginger, Nepal not only meets its own needs but also exports ginger worth approximately Rs 1.25 billion annually. This is a significant achievement for the country's agricultural sector, especially at a time when various other sectors are facing challenges. Agricultural experts attribute this success to the superior quality of Nepali ginger, which has gained recognition in the international market.

Januka Pandit, Deputy Director General and spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture (DoA), highlighted the exceptional taste and quality of Nepali ginger. She also emphasized the potential for further growth in the ginger market through improved processing and grading.

Pandit stated, "If the processing and grading of ginger here is organized further, the market will expand further. There is a big opportunity for farmers to increase production and expand the market."

Nepal's ginger cultivation spans across 22,441 hectares, resulting in an export revenue of more than Rs 1.22 billion last year. In the first two months of the current fiscal year 2023/24, Nepal exported approximately 2,614,178 kilograms of ginger valued at Rs 330 million.

Nepal exported 23,013,682 kg of ginger in the previous year. According to the Department of Customs, these exports primarily went to countries such as Bangladesh, India, the Netherlands, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Qatar, and others.

Ginger is a popular spice that adds a distinct flavor to various dishes, including vegetables and meats. Its medicinal properties also make it a valuable ingredient in pharmaceuticals.

A report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) ranks Nepal among the top five ginger-producing countries globally, following India, Nigeria, and China. In 2020, Nepal produced 298,945 metric tons of ginger.

Megh Nath Timalsina, chief of the National Center for Potato, Vegetable, and Spice Crops Development, acknowledged the financial benefits that ginger cultivation has brought to farmers. He said, "Farmers have benefited from ginger. We have conducted a program to encourage farmers to increase production."

The Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) is actively researching ginger varieties, diseases, and technology in Salyan. NARC has also contributed to breeding, disease management, and technological advancements. Provincial and local governments have introduced programs to support ginger production and processing, with conditional grant programs for municipalities. Government agencies have extended their support to farmers, farmer groups, and cooperatives.

The Prime Minister's Agricultural Modernization Project includes a ginger development zone program in districts like Sunsari and Surkhet, further promoting ginger cultivation.

Farmers have even begun planting ginger alongside traditional food crops, leading to improved financial stability and better livelihoods.

Pramod Gautam, a ginger farmer from Illam, shared his experience, saying, “There was not enough to eat when I grew food crops like paddy. I have been able to receive financial benefits, support my household expenses, and educate my children by farming ginger.”

 
• FAO
 
• NARC
 
• ginger