Itanagar, June 19: In the midst of escalating prices for essential commodities across the country, ginger has witnessed a remarkable three-fold increase, reaching a three-year high of Rs 120 per kg this season in the East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Local farmers attribute this surge in ginger prices to the growing demand from regions outside the state. Notably, two years ago, ginger prices had reached a record high of Rs 40 per kg before declining to Rs 30 per kg last year.
The price of ginger, however, varies from village to village within the district. Many farmers have managed to recover from the losses incurred last year due to plummeting prices. The areas of Moli, Detak, Rayang, Ngorlung, Ayeng, Mebo, Ngopok, Motum, Sisen Debing, Depi, and Pangin Boleng are the major ginger-producing regions in the district.
The price of ginger exhibits seasonal fluctuations. During the off-season from May to July, prices reach their peak, while they drop to the year’s lowest point during the primary harvesting season from November to January. Farmers state that several traders from Assam visit the villages to procure ginger.
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The district exports ginger to various destinations in Assam, including Dibrugarh, Dhemaji, Barpeta, Silapathar, and Guwahati. With the escalating demand for ginger, traders have started making bookings with farmers. Farmers in Debing village anticipate that ginger prices may even surpass the Rs 150 mark this year.
Olik Dai, a female farmer, revealed that she has already sold 10 tonnes of ginger and plans to increase her sales in the coming days. The surge in ginger prices in the East Siang district can be primarily attributed to the heightened demand from regions outside the state.
However, there are concerns that farmers may end up selling ginger seeds, potentially impacting next year’s production. “If this happens, it could adversely affect production in the upcoming year,” expressed a worried farmer.
The price hike in ginger signifies both opportunities and challenges for the farmers in the East Siang district. On the one hand, the increased prices provide a much-needed boost to their income and help them recover from previous losses.
However, the potential selling of ginger seeds might have long-term repercussions, affecting the cultivation and output in the following years. It becomes crucial for farmers to strike a balance between meeting the rising demands and ensuring the sustainability of ginger production in the region.
As ginger prices continue to soar in East Siang and demand expands beyond the state’s borders, farmers need to explore efficient and sustainable cultivation practices. This includes adopting innovative techniques, optimizing resource utilization, and promoting organic farming practices.
Additionally, stakeholders such as agricultural institutions and government bodies should provide the necessary support to farmers by offering training programs, access to advanced technologies, and financial assistance to further enhance ginger cultivation in the region.
The substantial increase in ginger prices in the East Siang district brings both prosperity and challenges for local farmers. While it presents an opportunity for economic growth, there is a need to ensure the long-term sustainability of ginger cultivation by avoiding the excessive selling of ginger seeds.
With strategic measures, collaborative efforts, and support from various stakeholders, the district can continue to thrive as a significant ginger producer, catering to the growing demands and maintaining a balance between profitability and sustainability in the ginger industry.
