SHILLONG: Umroi MLA George B Lyngdoh, in a letter to Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh, has sought for the latter’s help to start the Ginger Mission in the state, to help farmers who are facing various challenges.
Recently, the headman of Umtangling village, Bhoirymbong Block, Umroi Constituency reported that ginger farmers have been facing huge challenges with regard to ginger plantation.
The issue was brought to the notice of the District Horticulture Officer, Ri Bhoi. Prompt action was taken by him in deputing several officers to the village to study the problems of the ginger farmers.
The problems reported by the district horticulture officer are faced by all ginger farmers in Umroi Constituency and in Ri Bhoi as a whole.
“It will be a blessing for the ginger farmers if the state government can start the ‘Ginger Mission’. It will help to orient the efforts and resources of the government to ensure that the farmers are benefitted and their farming interests are protected”, the letter said.
The problems faced by the ginger farmers is the absence of good quality, disease-free rhizome for plantation. The variety that is in circulation at present has low productivity and is disease-prone.
They need an urgent-planned infusion of new rhizome variety in consultation with the farmers considering its suitability before large-scale expansion. Another problem is that farmers need to be provided with sensitisation and training on ginger cultivation, especially on multi-cropping techniques, disease control, availability of crop protection measures, bio-fungicides, bio-pesticides and pest-fighting techniques.
The letter added that if an early step is taken, it will prevent further deterioration and will provide a helping hand to the ginger farmers with a view to protect their livelihoods and economic activity.
