Present scenario of Ginger Farming in West- Garo Hills District Meghalaya: An Analysis

Abstract

One of the key species grown in the North-East is ginger. The rural agricultural populations' livelihood
comes from the cultivation of ginger, which also helps with socio-economic advancement. Farmer
endeavors and the expansion of the production base are encouraged by the favourable soil and climatic
characteristics of some of the chosen agro-climatic zones. However, there are some limitations on ginger
production and marketing, especially from the perspective of farmers. This paper attempt to analyse the
contemporary scenario of ginger farming in West-Garo Hills District of Meghalaya. The study is primarily
undertaken from farmer's perspective. In the process of doing the same, constraints of the ginger growers are
also taken into consideration. The study is based on both primary as well as secondary data. Ginger growers
were selected based on non-probabilistic convenience sampling procedure. Desired responses were
obtained with the help of structured schedule. It was observed that increasing input cost primarily affect the
ginger growers. There is scope for improvement in the form of value addition at the growers' level, farmers
can add significant value by processing and diversifying their raw ginger supply. The study's suggestive
conclusion is that ginger-based agro-entrepreneurship should be promoted. The study suggest for the
development of favourable market conditions to the growers' greater advantage. Absence of well-organized
markets set up also acts as impediments in the process of production and marketing of ginger.