Hefty funds allocated to promote ginger cultivation: Dr Sajid

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Feb, 2026) Chief Scientist Agriculture Research Punjab Dr Sajid-ur-Rehman said the Punjab government has allocated a substantial amount to promote ginger cultivation across the province, emphasizing tunnel farming as a viable solution to climate challenges and rising food demand.

Addressing a one-day training seminar on the promotion of ginger cultivation under tunnel technology held at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), he highlighted that rapidly changing climatic conditions and increasing population have made protected cultivation of vegetables including ginger which is a pressing necessity.

He explained that growing ginger successfully in open fields during summer season in Punjab remains difficult due to extreme heat; however, modern tunnel technology can ensure its high quality per acre yield.

He said that tunnel farming provides a controlled environment, enabling the farmers to overcome adverse weather conditions and enhance productivity.

He termed the allocation of significant funds by the provincial government as a major step for reducing reliance on imports and strengthening local agriculture.

Dr Muhammad Iqbal Director Vegetable Research Institute Faisalabad said that ginger holds an important place in Pakistani cuisine as a spice and it is also used in preparing murabba, pickles and syrups.

Owing to its medicinal properties, ginger enjoys wide use in traditional medicine as well, he added.

He said that ginger cultivation in Pakistan is very negligible, compelling the country to import most of its requirements and spend previous foreign exchange.

He informed the participants that ginger sowing is carried out from late February to mid-March. The hot and dry winds during May and June in most parts of Punjab prove harmful for this crop. Therefore, protective measures are imperative for successful production of ginger crop, he added.

Principal Scientist (Ginger) Muhammad Aamir Latif said that ginger requires a moderate and humid climate for optimal growth.

He said that healthy tissue-culture plants have been supplied to the farmers at affordable rates in recent years while research activities continue to further improve production technology.

Agricultural scientists of vegetable department have achieved notable success in propagating disease-free ginger plants through tissue culture, he added.

He advised the farmers to start ginger cultivation on a limited area in the first year to gain practical experience and develop their own seed stock for subsequent seasons.

Progressive ginger growers also shared encouraging results from the Potohar region and said that yields ranging from 1.5 to 2 kilograms per plant and 10 to 12 tons per acre have been achieved which is indicating strong potential for expanding ginger farming and improving farmers’ livelihoods in the region.

Senior scientists, agricultural experts, representatives of private seed companies and progressive farmers attended the seminar.

Later, shields and certificates were also distributed among distinguished participants.