Ginger Farming: Maximize Your Yields with These Disease-Resistant Varieties for Better Profits!

The ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) has played a pivotal role in advancing ginger cultivation by developing specialized varieties that cater to the diverse climatic and soil conditions across regions. These varieties, known for their high yield and exceptional quality, have helped revolutionize ginger farming. Among the standout varieties developed by IISR are IISR-Rejatha, IISR-Mahima, and IISR-Varada, each uniquely suited to address specific agricultural needs and bring out the best in ginger cultivation.

1. IISR-Rejatha (Ginger)

IISR-Rejatha is a ginger variety specifically developed from a careful selection of germplasm, showcasing its adaptability to Kerala's agro-climatic conditions. This variety reaches maturity in approximately 200 days and delivers an impressive average yield of 22.4 tons per hectare, making it an excellent option for growers aiming for high productivity.

Morphological Characteristics:

• Colour of aerial shoot: Green.

• Plant height: 67.7 cm.

• Leaf dimensions: Length - 23.6 cm; Breadth - 3.0 cm.

• Number of tillers per clump: 8.26.

• Number of leaves per tiller: 13.65.

• Rhizome shape: Plumpy, round, and bold.

• Scale colour: Brown.

Special Characteristics:

• Notable for plumpy, round, and bold rhizomes arranged in compact clumps with three layers.

• Low fibre content makes it a preferred choice for culinary and medicinal applications.

• Rich in essential oil and oleoresin, enhancing its aromatic and flavor profile.

2. IISR-Mahima (Ginger)

IISR-Mahima is another ginger variety developed from careful germplasm selection. It is well-suited to Kerala's climate, producing a slightly higher yield of 23.2 tons per hectare and reaching maturity in just 200 days, making it a reliable choice for farmers seeking both productivity and quality.

Morphological Characteristics:

• Colour of aerial shoot: Green.

• Plant height: 65.3 cm.

• Leaf dimensions: Length - 23.9 cm; Breadth - 2.9 cm.

• Number of tillers per clump: 12.8.

• Number of leaves per tiller: 12.5.

• Rhizome shape: Plumpy, round, and bold.

• Scale colour: Brown.

Special Characteristics:

• Distinguished by plumpy and bold rhizomes with moderate fibre content.

• Known for its resistance to root-knot nematodes, making it suitable for sustainable cultivation practices.

3. IISR-Varada (Ginger)

Unlike the other ginger varieties, IISR-Varada is widely grown across India, thriving in diverse regions. It matures in just 200 days and offers a dependable average yield of 22.6 tons per hectare, making it a versatile and productive option for farmers nationwide.

Morphological Characteristics:

• Colour of aerial shoot: Green.

• Plant height: 72.32 cm.

• Leaf dimensions: Length - 28.3 cm; Breadth - 2.5 cm.

• Number of tillers per clump: 9.4.

• Number of leaves per tiller: 20.

• Rhizome core colour: Bluish yellow.

• Rhizome shape: Plumpy with flattened fingers.

• Scale colour: Reddish brown.

Special Characteristics:

• Recognized for high yield and superior quality with plumpy rhizomes featuring flattened fingers.

• Medium-sized reddish-brown scales enhance its visual appeal.

• Dry ginger from IISR-Varada is less susceptible to storage insect damage.

• Farmers appreciate its tolerance to diseases and lower fibre content.

Comparative Analysis of Quality Attributes in Ginger Varieties

IISR-Rejatha has the highest essential oil content (2.36%) and dry recovery (23.0%), while IISR-Mahima has the lowest values in these attributes. IISR-Varada presents intermediate values, with a range in fibre content (3.29–4.5%), offering diverse applications based on specific needs.

These ginger varieties are a testament to ICAR-IISR's commitment to advancing agricultural practices through innovation and sustainability. By improving vital features like yield, quality, and resistance to pests, they meet the demands of both farmers and consumers, fostering a thriving and resilient ginger cultivation sector across India.