value chain/ market analysis of the ginger sub-sector ... - Nepal Trade

field and during storage due to this disease (NTIS, 2010). The disease is prevalent throughoutNepal and because of the disease many farmers have discontinued ginger cultivation. Thedisease spread unintentionally by the use of infected seed pieces from the previous crop,although the seeds may appear normal and healthy. The Ginger Research Program (GRP) hasfocused its research on rhizome rot disease management. However, they have not beensuccessful in controlling this devastating disease. Concerned authorities like GRP and PlantPathology Division under NARC should conduct research to address the present problem,and extension offices of DoA should disseminate the appropriate technology to control thisdisease. In this process, NEAT Activity can assist GRP in research and awareness campaigns,and support disease remedy measures such as seed treatment.Facilitate production of quality seeds and introduction of high yielding varieties: Mostof the ginger produced in Nepal is highly fibrous and less competitive than the fibrelessvarieties. In addition, Nepalese ginger varieties are mostly native and are cultivatedtraditionally. There are quality seeds available within some part of Nepal which can producegood rhizome with a fatty appearance, which would be sold at a higher price at market.Similarly, the productivity of local seeds is comparatively low and is also prone to disease.Therefore, facilitation should be done to produce high yielding and disease resistant varietiesof ginger seeds. For this purpose, activities should be conducted in joint collaboration withNARC and government extension offices.Support NARC for producing seedlings from tissue culture: Since the major cost ofginger production is the seed itself, reducing the seed rate can make this sector morecompetitive. There is some research in India regarding tissue culture on ginger. In-depthinformation on tissue culture should be collected through NARC and these practices shouldbe adopted in Nepal.Create and strengthen producer group organizations: There are many groups in studyareas formed by government offices and development agencies. While most of the groups areidle, some of the groups and cooperatives are performing regular savings and credit activities.To involve the producer groups in marketing activities, there should be community-privatepublicpartnerships.6.2.2 Processing and MarketingInitiate auction markets: Ginger is a seasonal crop and produces high volume in its mainseason. To make the marketing systematized, the government can introduce auction marketcenters in strategic places in order to bring buyers and sellers together to make transaction ina transparent way. Ginger washing centers can be designed with a space for auctioning.Support in branding and export facilitation: Nepal has a unique position in theinternational market due to lower use of pesticides and traditionally grown crops. To makethe most of this advantage, the government can set the Nepalese standard for export withsystematic monitoring activities and support to exporters. For this purpose, Nepal can brandginger as a Himalayan product or organic product, and explore the market niches where apremium price can be charged.Initiate to work on GAPs and GMPs: Over the long term, Nepali ginger can be targeted tothe more profitable markets of EU, USA and Japan. To introduce the product in thesemarkets, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)Value Chain/Market Analysis-Ginger 37