Kalsi block is located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, and spans approximately 270 square kilometers. The main crops cultivated in Kalsi Block include rice, wheat, maize, and a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, and cucumbers. Additionally, there are fruit orchards where mango, litchi, and guava are the predominant varieties. Livestock rearing plays a significant role in the local economy, with dairy farming being a key activity.
Ginger processing has uniquely transformed the economy of Domat and other nearby villages in Kalsi block. As a high-value crop, ginger enjoys strong demand in both local and international markets, used for a variety of purposes including culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications. Additionally, it is a resilient crop that thrives in diverse soil types and agro-climatic conditions, making it well-suited for cultivation in the hilly areas of Kalsi Block. Furthermore, ginger farming is a sustainable practice recognized for its numerous medicinal benefits.
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhakrani, Dehradun did a survey in detail covering the whole, and as a result, the ginger rot problem was observed as a cause for low productivity.
Farmers facing crop issues were educated on cultural management practices to combat diseases. This included selecting disease-free seed rhizomes and ensuring the use of well-drained soil for ginger planting. Prior to planting, they were advised to cover the moist soil with a transparent polythene sheet for approximately 45 to 50 days to facilitate soil solarization. Additionally, implementing crop rotation with non-host crops such as maize, soybean, or cotton for a minimum of 2 to 3 years was recommended to further enhance disease management.
To eradicate this problem, the farmers were selected, and intensive demonstrations were conducted. This included two sprays of (Azoxystrobin 11% + Tabuconazole 18.3%) @ 0.2% at 40 and 60 days after sowing, along with seed treatment with Dithane M 45 @ 0.2% + Bavistin @ 0.2% +Chloropyrophos chloropyrophos @ 0.2%.
This resulted in the seed being treated with copper oxychloride 50 WP @ 0.3% before sowing. + Bavistin 75 WP (0.1%) @ 0.3 % + Azoxystrobin 11% + Tabuconazole 18.3% was found very effective and gave a higher net return, i.e., 135.4 qt/ha. The repeated efforts of ICAR-KVK scientists helped the ginger growing farmers in protecting their crop from the disease.
The ginger drying process in Domat village, located in the Kalsi block of Dehradun district, is distinctive due to its use of traditional methods. The community employs two indigenous techniques Panjhol and Sujhol for drying ginger, resulting in a product that stands out in quality and is highly sought after. ICAR-KVK intervened to demonstrate improved processing methods, emphasizing scientific approaches to cleaning and drying, which enhance the ginger's quality while ensuring hygienic practices.
Punjhol and Sukhjhol methods of drying ginger are the traditional methods commonly used in the northern parts of India, including Uttarakhand. To use this method, the ginger roots are first harvested, washed, and cleaned to remove any dirt or debris. According to the villagers, this method is preferable to Punjhol because it requires less labor. The ginger is initially pre-graded in the field to remove any unripe, damaged, or diseased rhizomes, with damaged bulbs set aside. The remaining high-quality bulbs are sorted by size and appearance, ensuring they are clean, bright yellow-brown, and fresh-looking, without any signs of wilting or sprouting. Freshly harvested ginger rhizomes are washed thoroughly in water two or three times and then dried in the shade for a day. During cleaning, the ginger is gently rubbed by hand in clean water, taking care to avoid breaking the bulbs, as this can lead to decay and shrinkage.
The villagers have developed a special rotator drying machine that offers a unique method for drying ginger. This machine can dry ginger at a rate of 1 quart per hour, making it both time-efficient and a significant labor-saving device. There are two versions of the machine: one is operated manually, while the other features a 2HP motor to increase the drying speed and capacity. After washing and grating, the ginger is initially dried in shady areas for a few days, and undergoes further drying using this self-designed machine. The machine is a horizontal rotary drum with holes to allow water to drain while it rotates quickly. Once the ginger is machine-dried, it is sun-dried for additional time, resulting in the final product known as “Gilti,” which is then sold in the market.
Punjhol Method of Drying Ginger: The Punjhol method of drying ginger is a sustainable and eco-friendly approach that does not rely on any additional energy sources, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to preserve ginger. The main distinction between the two drying methods is that Sukhjhol does not require peeling the ginger before drying, while Punjhol involves peeling the rhizome first.
Drying of Ginger (Gilti)The ginger clusters are left to dry for several days until they are completely dehydrated. The drying time may vary depending on the humidity and temperature of the area.The Punjhol method relies on air circulation, and the shaded area helps to prevent direct sunlight from reaching the ginger, which can cause discoloration and loss of flavor.
To assess the impact of ginger processing on the economic status of the tribal community, a study was conducted by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, yielding impressive results. The village consists of around 100 families, with 80 of them adopting ginger as a cash crop and engaging in its processing. Both the Punjhol and Sukhjhol methods are utilized to produce "saunth" or “gilti,” which is sold in nearby markets at favorable prices. The village reportedly sells 25,000 kg of high-quality dried ginger at rates ranging from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000/kg. The second and third grades fetch prices between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 2,000/kg. Overall, the average earnings from dried ginger amount to approximately 8 crores, representing a significant income generated solely from this single crop.
The story of village Domat highlights how economic empowerment through ginger processing can be an effective means to enhance the villagers' income and livelihoods.
To maximize their potential, the villagers can establish a cooperative society or Farmer Producer Organization (FPO). This cooperative can pool resources to create a reservoir of dried gilti, storing it in warehouses. This approach would enable them to negotiate better prices with interested buyers. Processed ginger products can then be sold in local markets or exported to other regions or countries. Additionally, the villagers can also develop their own brands to market these products under their unique brand name.
In addition to generate income, ginger processing can create employment opportunities for the villagers. Operating the processing plant or machinery requires skilled operators, technicians, and support staff. By hiring local residents, the villagers can foster economic development within their community. Therefore, the economic empowerment of the tribal community through ginger processing can significantly enhance their livelihoods and positively impact the overall economy of the community.
(Source: ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhakrani, Dehradun)
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