Organic Production of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) in Meghalaya, India

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a commercially valuable crop cultivated for its aromatic properties. Oleoresin and oil extracted from ginger are high-value, low-volume products with significant demand. Varieties characterised by lower fibre content, higher dry matter recovery, and high levels of oil and oleoresin demonstrate substantial potential for export in international markets. The pungency of ginger is attributable to gingerol; hence, greater emphasis should be placed on selecting such varieties for organic cultivation. The production of ginger under organic production systems enhances the quality of the product, as well as its high market preference. The selection of a site free from any history of soil-borne pathogen incidence, and seed selection from disease-free and organically produced certified seeds, along with other cultural management practices such as the correct weeding, earthing up, nutrition, water management at critical stages, and intercropping as per the norms of organic systems, are crucial steps in successful ginger cultivation.