Ginger is grown in all over the country but wet and intermediate zones are major growing areas. Kurunagala, Kandy, Gampaha, Colombo and Kegalle were main growing areas. In the western province ginger is largely grown as an inter crop with coconut and as a home garden crop.
Several local and imported varieties are grown in Sri Lanka in large scale.
Local ginger – Rhizomes are small and the fibrous flesh is some what ash white in color. Ginger taste and aroma is comparatively higher than other species. Largely used for beverages.
Chinese ginger – Rhizomes are large with watery flesh. Flesh is pale yellow in color. The taste and aroma is low. Largely used for pickles.
Rangoon ginger- Rhizomes are medium in size and with well spreaded finger rhizomes.
According to the Ministry, one hundred and twenty hectares of lands are now under ginger cultivation in Ibbagamuwa, Polpithigama and Polgahawela Divisional Secretary's areas in the Kurunegala district.
Over 500 farmers are now being trained on growing ginger. Free manure and expertise would be provided to the farming community to grow ginger, the Ministry added.
(ST/KH)
