Introduction
Ginger Research Program (GRP) is one of the commodity research programs working under Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC). Initially it was established as “Ginger Development Program” in 1977 at Agriculture Research Centre Malepatan Pokhara with an objective to generate appropriate technology in ginger production in mid hills of Nepal. After the establishment of Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) in 1991 AD, it was shifted to Kapurkot, Salyan and was renamed as “Ginger Research program” in 1992/93. It was given mandates to undertake an intensive program of research to generate appropriate ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc) and ginger based technologies for various agro-ecological zones of the country to enhance production, productivity and quality products of ginger. The research programs were greatly strengthened and systematized after the establishment of this program. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) has been included as a mandated crop of this institution since 2000. Besides the mandated crops, GRP has been conducting co-ordinated varietal trials on various crops.
The Ginger Research Program, Kapurkot, Salyan is located 21 km North from Tulsipur, Dang. It is easily accessible from Tulsipur- Salyan roadway. Geographically, it is situated at 280 14′ N latitude, 320 24′ E longitude and at an altitude of 1480 mean above sea level.
Goal:
To enhance livelihood of farmers by promoting ginger and turmeric export with increased ginger and turmeric production and value addition in Nepal
Vision:
To increase the sustainable production, productivity and value addition of ginger and turmeric through the appropriate technologies
Objectives:
- To collect, characterize, utilize and conserve different locan and exotic ginger/turmeric germplasms.
- To develop high yielding, disease and insect resistant ginger/turmeric cultivars suitable for different agro-environments.
- To undertake basic, applied and adaptive research work to develop technologies on quality ginger production, value addition, processing and support ginger based industries.
- To disseminate ginger/turmeric based verified technologies, research findings, to the different stakeholders through electronic media, booklets, folders, leaflets etc.
Command Areas:
All the ginger and turmeric growing areas of the different agro environments of country are the command areas.
Starategies:
- To develop high yielding, good quality, disease and insect pest tolerant superior cultivars of ginger and turmeric for enhancing sustainable production and productivity.
- To identify the production constraints of ginger and turmeric in the country.
- To develop appropriate low cost package of practices in order to increase ginger and turmeric production.
- To develop appropriate management practices to minimize the rhizome rot disease in ginger.
- To develop location specific demand driven technologies those are economically viable and environmentally friendly.
- To enhance the ginger and turmeric production through wide use of quality rhizome seed and superior cultivars.
- To develop technology on post harvest handling, value chain additions, processing and diversified ginger based products
- To provide technical services to the farmers and other stakeholder as per needed.
Current and Future Research Trust:
Varietal Development
GRP has released two varieties of ginger Kapurkot Aduwa-1 and Kapurkot Aduwa -2 and one variety of turmeric (Kapurkot Haledo-1). Development of high yielding, disease and pest tolerant, high volatile oil, high oleoresin content, low fiber content and high dry ginger recovery percent are the most important traits focusing on in varietal development of ginger. Similarly high yielding, high curcumin content and high powder recovery percentage are the traits focusing on varietal selection criteria of turmeric.
Disease Management Technology
Rhizome rot caused by Pythium and Fusarium is an important disease of ginger crop in Nepal causing production loss of 5-75% and deteriorates the quality of ginger as well yield. GRP has given high priority to develop effective sustainable management technologies for the ginger rhizome. Leaf Blotch of turmeric caused by Taphrina maculans is an important disease of turmeric.GRP is undertaking research to develop the appropriate management technology for leaf blotch management of turmeric.
Insect pest Management Technology
White grub and Rhizome fly becoming emerging threat in most of the ginger growing areas of Nepal. Therefore, GRP has been undertaking intensive research for the effective eco-friendly management technology on these insect pests.
Crop Management Technology
The program undertakes research on various aspects of crop managements such as nutrient management, weed management, mulching, removal of mother rhizome, planting methods, intercropping, date of planting, seed size, spacing, type of planting methods etc. From these studies GRP could develop the appropriate management technology of enhancing production and productivity of ginger and turmeric in the country.
Post harvest management and value chain addition:
GRP has been working on post harvest loss minimization and value chain addition of ginger and turmeric. The program concentrated on development of processing technologies of ginger and turmeric using different equipments and methods. GRP has been working on generating technologies for product diversifications (Ginger and turmeric candy, paste, pickles, powder, squash etc.)
Researchers:
- Dr. Ghana Shyam Bhandari, Scientist (S-2)/Coordinator
Contact:
Nepal Agricultural Research Council
Ginger Research Program
Kapurkot, Salyan, Nepal
Tel: 977-88-410003/088-410004, 9857825003
Email: ngrp.narc@gmail.com
Website: www.narc.gov.np