Ginger Cultivation: Organic ginger cultivation in Sikkim is improving the livelihood of tribal farmers

Livelihood of tribal farmers: Inspired by Nim Tshering Lepcha’s ginger cultivation, farmers of Nandok-Naitam village are increasing their income through organic farming, which has changed their lives.

Nim Tshering Lepcha, president of Lower Nandok, located in Nandok-Naitam village in East District of Sikkim, is an inspirational farmer. Initially, he was engaged in many activities like off-season vegetable cultivation, large cardamom cultivation, fish farming, poultry farming and dairy for additional income. However, all these works were not giving as much profit as the hard work was required.

Many farmers in the village were interested in organic ginger cultivation, but they lacked the right information and technical resources. Nim Tshering Lepcha was also skeptical about this crop for a while, as he did not have any concrete information about the production and sale process. But then a new turn came, which changed the life of not only him but the farmers of the entire village.

Scientific help and training

Scientists from ICAR KVK, East Sikkim visited Nandok village and gave detailed information to the farmers about organic ginger cultivation. In 2013-14, Nim Tshering Lepcha was given 200 kg of high quality ginger rhizomes. After this, he cultivated ginger through organic methods and it was completely successful.

In this process, the scientists told Nim Tshering Lepcha the correct technical methods of cultivation and made him aware of new methods through field demonstration. By adopting this technique, he achieved great results in his fields.

Amazing results from ginger cultivation

When Nim Tshering Lepcha planted ginger crop, the crop was ready in 8.5-9 months. He harvested 137.13 quintals of ginger per hectare and earned a net profit of Rs 2,84,905 per hectare. This success became a source of inspiration not only for Nim Tshering Lepcha but also for the farmers of his entire village.

Now most of the farmers of Nandok village have joined this organic ginger cultivation. The people of the village are also increasing their income by adopting the techniques of this high-profit farming.

Success of tribal farmer Phurba Lepcha

Phurba Lepcha of Upper Nandok is considered an expert in ginger cultivation. He has a lot of experience in ginger cultivation. He grew 6500 kg of ginger from 200 kg of seeds in two consecutive years. The demand for the ginger seeds grown by him has now increased in the local markets. His success inspired more farmers and now ginger cultivation has become a major agricultural activity in the region.

The extent and impact of agriculture

Organic ginger cultivation started in 0.10 hectare in the field of Mr. Nim Tshering Lepcha has now spread to 1.0 hectare. More than 8 hectares of land in Nandok village is now under ginger cultivation. Maize growing farmers have also adopted this technique and are now growing ginger as a mono-crop.

This success has not been limited to Nandok alone but ginger cultivation has also expanded to nearby villages such as Thanzing, Upper Khamdong, Yangthang, Thanka and Lingtam. Now ginger is being cultivated in about 50 hectares of area in these villages.

Tribal communities and ginger cultivation

Organic ginger cultivation in Sikkim has proved that if tribal farmers get the right technical knowledge and help, they can bring a big change in their livelihood. This cultivation has not only strengthened their economic condition, but they have also proved themselves as a successful farmer. This technique has now become a norm among tribal farmers, and they are raising their standard of living by adopting it.

Marketing and distribution

Fresh rhizomes of ginger are now sold to local traders and retailers. Its marketing is done by private and government traders, as well as some cooperative societies are also involved in this process. Apart from this, there is also a great demand for ginger seeds produced by farmers like Phurba Lepcha. These seeds are purchased by local farmers and this has become another source of income.

Lessons learned and future directions

It is clear from this whole process that when a tribal farmer gets the right technology and support, he can achieve amazing results with his hard work. Organic ginger cultivation has proved that with the right guidance and resources, tribal farmers can not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute to regional development.

Expansion of ginger cultivation

To date, organic ginger cultivation, which started from Nandok village, has now spread to many villages in Sikkim. This cultivation has become a new opportunity for tribal farmers, giving them good results for their hard work. It is not only improving their economic condition but is also moving the entire region towards development. 

Organic ginger cultivation in Sikkim has become an inspiration for tribal farmers. Through this farming, they are not only improving their livelihood but are also emerging as a successful entrepreneur. This model can also be a role model for other tribal areas, where there is immense potential to promote organic farming.