Domestic ginger farming gains ground, offering relief to import bill

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imported ginger is expected to gradually decline as domestic cultivation expands, backed by agricultural research, farmer participation and targeted government incentives aimed at reducing the country’s food import bill.

Officials and researchers say local ginger farming has gained traction after sustained efforts by the Vegetable Research Institute of the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) in Faisalabad, working closely with progressive farmers. According to AARI Principal Scientist Amir Latif, years of research have helped adapt ginger cultivation to Pakistan’s agro-climatic conditions.

He said researchers evaluated imported germplasm under local environments, developed tunnel- and shade-based production systems and introduced a locally adapted variety, AARI Ginger-23. Awareness initiatives, including farmer outreach activities and ginger festivals, have also helped familiarise growers with the crop and strengthen market connections.

Government support has played a significant role in encouraging adoption. Under the “Transfer of Agriculture in Potohar” programme, farmers are offered subsidies of up to 70 per cent for infrastructure, planting material, tunnels, shade nets and drip irrigation systems, making ginger cultivation more financially viable for small and medium growers.

Pakistan consumes an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 tonnes of ginger annually, most of which is imported from countries such as China, Thailand, Myanmar and Indonesia. These imports cost the country close to $50 million each year. In contrast, domestic production remains modest at around 40 to 50 tonnes, largely concentrated in Faisalabad, Potohar, Islamabad and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Latif said a number of progressive farmers have taken the lead in commercial cultivation using private investment. Farms in areas such as Rawat, Chak Shehzad, Chichawatni and Jaranwala have begun producing ginger at a commercial scale, helping demonstrate the crop’s economic potential to other growers.

He added that research and demonstration plots are enabling farmers to understand best practices, while local seed production, which was previously entirely import-dependent, is slowly developing. Although seed availability remains limited, researchers expect gradual improvement in the coming years.

According to Latif, Pakistan could achieve self-sufficiency in ginger within the next seven to ten years if current progress continues. He advised farmers to start cultivation on a small scale, adopt recommended technologies, use quality planting material and fully utilise government support programmes to minimise risk and improve returns.

Research trials have shown that ginger can be successfully grown under shade nets and tunnels in Punjab’s Potohar region, the mid-hill areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of northern Pakistan. Trials have already been conducted in Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Bara to assess performance under varying climatic conditions.

Beyond fresh consumption, value-added products such as ginger powder, paste, tea and pickles are also beginning to emerge. Latif said locally produced ginger is aromatic, high in quality and generally grown with limited chemical use, making it suitable for domestic markets and potential exports.

He added that ginger offers strong economic prospects due to consistent market demand, its capacity to replace imports and the higher returns it can generate compared to several traditional crops, positioning it as a promising option for agricultural diversification.