Nepali Farmers Expand Ginger Farming as Prices Rise

In Ilam, Nepali farmers are expanding their ginger farming operations as prices for the crop continue to rise. Desharaj Limbu, a farmer from Mabsebung-2, earned Rs 3.15 lakh (approximately $26,000 USD) from selling ginger last year. He sold his main ginger produce at Rs 4,500 per 40 kg.

Limbu attributes his success to the favorable price of ginger last year, which encouraged him to increase production. This year, he has planted 20 man (a unit of measurement) of ginger seeds, hoping to increase his earnings to Rs 5 lakh (approximately $41,000 USD) if the price remains high.

Another farmer, Rajkumar Rai from Mabsebung-2, also earned a significant income from selling ginger last year. He sold 50 man of ginger at Rs 4,000 per man and plans to increase his earnings this year by expanding his ginger farming operations.

Rai uses the income from ginger farming to support his family’s living expenses and his children’s education. He hopes to save some money from this year’s earnings.

Teju Rai, a farmer from Mabsebung-3, has started commercial ginger farming on 10 ropanis (a unit of land measurement) of land. He used 10 man of ginger seeds in the past and plans to expand his operations this year.

The price of ginger has increased significantly, with the main produce selling at Rs 4,500 per man and the seed selling at Rs 7,000 per man. The attractive price of ginger has encouraged farmers to shift from other crops to ginger farming.

According to the District Agriculture Office, Ilam has 3,221 hectares of land dedicated to commercial ginger farming, producing 50,620 metric tons of ginger last year. The main markets for ginger in Ilam include Ilam Bazaar, Biblyante, Mangalbare, Gajurmukhi, Chatur, and Mabsebung.