ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, June 14, 2022 – Twenty (20) farmers from Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte, underwent technical training on Ginger Production to prepare for the management of Ginger Production Project provided by the Department of Agriculture-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program.
The project worth Php 1,696,650 was granted to the Mosica Pabalica Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (MOPARBECO) in the municipality of Roxas. The beneficiaries usually cultivate corn and ginger while others plant coconut.
The Program in Zamboanga del Norte tapped the Agricultural Technician from the Municipal Agriculture Office in Roxas, Mr. Valentino Edaga to serve as a resource speaker in the training. He discussed the process of producing the rhizomes from land preparation, planting, irrigation, weeding, pest and disease management, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. The training happened on May 16, 2022 at Barangay Moliton Day Care Center, Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte.
“Ginger is popular for its distinct sharp and hot flavor due to an oily substance called gingerol. It can be consumed fresh, dehydrated, powdered, or pickled. It can be grown in flat to slightly rolling areas with well-drained, light to medium textured soil. It grows well even with 25-40% shading,” Mr. Edaga explained.
After the lecture, the farmers were given a hands-on demonstration on how to properly plant the rhizomes. Edaga distributed pre-germinated seed pieces in furrows 30 cm apart and covered lightly with small-scale planting, and utilized coconut leaves as mulching material.
“Ang mga mag-uuma naka tanum na sa mga rhizome atong ika tulong semana sa Mayo kay mao ni ang pinakamaayong panahon sa pagsugod sa pagpananom, ilabi na kay ting-ulan diin adunay abunda nga suplay sa tubig,” said Ms. Abigael T. Malcampo, SAAD Area Coordinator.
(The farmers planted the rhizomes in the third week of May since it was the best time to start planting, especially during the start of the rainy season when we have an abundant water supply).
As most of the members already farm ginger, they are expected to elevate their skills and have the chance to cultivate said interventions provided by SAAD with the newly acquired knowledge in properly managing their farm.
Meanwhile, some members who are coconut farmers plan to intercrop the ginger inputs. The cumulative land area of the ginger production project will cover four to five hectares owned by the 20 members of the association.
The MOPARBECO will also undergo training on the post-harvest of ginger. Through the coordination with the Department of Trade Industry (DTI), the beneficiaries will receive training on salabat powder (ginger tea) processing for value addition. Salabat is commonly used to help fight flu and common colds. Aside from ginger processing, the DTI will also equip the farmers with the labeling and branding of their products.
Eight to ten months from planting, the MOPARBECO are expected to reap the fruits of their labor in January-March next year. The produce will then be sold as a spice or will be processed as salabat (ginger tea). ###
Writer: Aimee Lou D. Madjus, Information Officer
Source: Abigael T. Malcampo, Area Coordinator
